فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, announced the latest developments regarding the Moroccan female farm workers employed in Spanish strawberry fields, during a response to a question by MP Salwa Dammounati in the House of Representatives on Monday evening.
Sekkouri explained that since late 2023, Morocco and Spain have begun implementing a system of fixed and seasonal employment contracts for female agricultural workers in Spanish strawberry farms. This new framework allows the women to benefit from a four-year renewable residence permit, which facilitates work procedures and strengthens their labor rights.
The minister noted that the number of Moroccan farm workers who traveled to Spain reached 15,783 as of April 24, 2025, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous season. He added that job offers include 4,336 positions in the province of Huelva and 893 offers currently under processing in other regions.
Sekkouri also highlighted that this initiative falls within the framework of a bilateral agreement signed in 2001 between Morocco and Spain, aimed at organizing the migration of Moroccan laborers to work in red fruit fields. The agreement ensures that Moroccan workers are granted the same rights as their Spanish counterparts.
Regarding the monitoring of work and living conditions, Sekkouri said his ministry is working in collaboration with the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) and the Spanish Embassy to ensure the protection of workers’ rights. Joint patrols are organized between the Spanish civil guard and the labor inspectorate.
The minister added that the ministry follows a three-phase approach: awareness before departure, monitoring during employment, and support upon return to Morocco. This approach is implemented in cooperation with relevant civil society organizations and international agencies to create income-generating projects for the returning women.
Sekkouri concluded by confirming that the ministry is in the process of preparing a national strategy aimed at increasing Morocco’s benefit from international opportunities in seasonal employment, in partnership with international organizations.
Source: Fes News Media
