Morocco: New Short-Term Work Authorization Available

• Eligibility. The STWA is available to foreign nationals in all occupations, including non-executive positions, and across all nationalities.
• Duration. The STWA allows foreign nationals to conduct work for up to three months in Morocco; it cannot be extended.
• Application process. Employers can apply for the STWA electronically through the Taechir A labor market test is not required.
• Required documentation. Employers must provide a support letter outlining the nature of activities that will be conducted, applicants must provide an attested educational certificate (it is expected that technical certificates will count toward this requirement, although that has not yet been confirmed), and both parties must sign an employment contract.
• Entry visa required. In order to enter Morocco and use an STWA, foreign nationals must first obtain an entry visa or visa-on-arrival, depending on their nationality.
• Assignment ends prior to expiration of STWA. If a foreign national’s assignment in Morocco ends prior to the expiration of their STWA, the employer must cancel the STWA before the foreign national departs from Morocco. Otherwise, no cancelation is required.
• Social security and tax authorities. Foreign nationals using an STWA in Morocco must register with the relevant social security and tax authorities.

The new STWA will make it easier for foreign nationals to perform urgent, short-term work for an employer in Morocco, as the administrative requirements are less cumbersome (no labor market test is required) than with some other immigration statuses and the permit is available for all occupations, whereas other work permit types are more restrictive.

Prior to the introduction of the STWA, foreign nationals seeking to perform hands-on work had to obtain a work permit under expatriate or secondment status, since such activities are not allowed under a business visa in Morocco.

The government is expected to release more details on the STWA. Fragomen will report on relevant developments.