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George Washington University

Publication Date

Fall 2008

Program Name

Morocco: Migration Studies

Abstract

Migration statistics reveal Morocco as one of the world’s leading emigration countries. Migration is bound to Morocco’s social, political, and economic spheres. However, empirical data related to migration and its subsequent effects on development within Morocco is poorly lacking. Specifically, there is a significant lack of information concerning remittances and their effect on development in Morocco. The impact of migration on Moroccan society and economic development is addressed here through discussion of previously attained empirical data and new research gathered in accordance with this paper. This paper is by no means comprehensive but instead offers an analysis of recent research while highlighting problems encountered in the area of remittance and development research. It is clear that improved communication and cooperation among local and foreign based non-government organizations as well as general cooperation among Moroccan and host nation authorities is required to fight current pessimistic views of remittances and their effect on development. Improved cooperation in addition to increased overall funding for remittance research is needed to understand the true consequences of remittances in Morocco and the best policies to enhance their positive effect on economic development. Remittances may provide a method to increase local investments and are an economic tool that has not received enough recognition as a development enabler. Lastly, an analysis of the social perspectives of migration held by varying groups of Moroccans, both in rural and urban areas, is presented.

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Economics | Growth and Development

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