Data from the High Commission for Planning, based on the 2024 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH), reveals that the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region plays a pivotal role as a major hub for internal migration, attracting more than 1.5 million lifetime migrants.
According to the commission, internal migration is defined as any change in administrative locality involving residence for a minimum of six months, allowing for accurate measurement of migration flows at the community, provincial, and regional levels.
In the context of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, which includes Tangier as a key center, the total number of lifetime internal migrants reached 1,506,997, representing 10.4% of the national total of 14.45 million migrants. Among them, 947,961 (61.9% of regional migrants) remained within the region, while 559,036 (10.2% of national inter-regional flows) moved from other regions to Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima.
These figures confirm that Tangier has become a ‘driver’ of national development, attracting migrants seeking employment opportunities in industrial and logistics sectors, with a retention rate of 92.4%. The region retains the majority of its original population, while inbound flows exceed outbound ones by 14.0% compared to 7.6%, enhancing demographic stability and economic growth.
In the latest period (2014-2024), reflecting contemporary dynamics, the volume of internal migration in the region rose to 684,532 migrants, accounting for 11.5% of the national total of 5.98 million. Here, 424,871 (10.9%) remained within the region, and 259,662 (12.6%) migrated between regions, resulting in a positive net migration of 138,887 individuals and a migration efficiency index of 36.5%, which is above the national average. This figure surpasses other regions, such as Casablanca-Settat (with a positive net of 255,973), reflecting the impact of projects like the Tangier Mediterranean Port, which provides thousands of jobs annually.
However, challenges remain. The report indicates that 79% of internal migrants come from neighboring regions such as Fez-Meknes (188,236) and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (141,494), driven by the pursuit of opportunities in industrial areas. Outbound migration is limited to 280,316 individuals, primarily towards Casablanca-Settat or Rabat, reflecting the competitiveness of major regions.
The report also highlights the feminization of migration, with women constituting 55.1% of national migrants, a trend evident in Tangier through women’s participation in service and education sectors. On a broader national scale, these flows contribute to the redistribution of the population toward dynamic regions, with Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima being one of seven regions with a positive net migration, in contrast to regions like Marrakech-Safi, which has lost 766,518 people.
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