Morocco Roundup: Increased snake and scorpion bites, visa waiver agreement, exploitation of women

Anfa Park, a new district still under construction and claiming the eco-district label, is home to Casablanca Finance City or CFC, a Moroccan public initiative aimed at making Casablanca a major African financial centre on 3 October 2023. Casablanca, a rapidly developing city, is the economic capital of Morocco and the largest city in North Africa. Anfa Park, nouveau quartier encore en construction revendicant le label ecoquartier abritant Casablanca Finance City ou CFC, une initiative publique marocaine visant a faire de Casablanca une importante place financiere africaine le 3 Octobre 2023. Casablanca, ville en plein developpement, est la capitale economique du Maroc et plus grande ville du Maghreb.

Source: X07244

Ghana and Morocco establish visa waiver agreement

Ghana and Morocco have signed a visa waiver agreement allowing Ghanaian citizens to travel to Morocco without traditional visas, effective immediately. This arrangement replaces the previous visa process with an online travel authorisation that can be approved within 24 hours, facilitating trade and tourism. The agreement was reached during a two-day visit by Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, highlighting a trend in intra-African mobility.

Increase in scorpion and snake bites raises alarm in Morocco

Morocco experiences a sharp rise in scorpion and snake bites with the onset of summer, recording over 25,000 cases annually, particularly endangering children and women. Reports from the Moroccan Poison Control Centre indicate fatalities due to delayed medical intervention. In response, local authorities and civil associations are launching awareness campaigns to educate rural populations on recognising symptoms and the importance of immediate medical care.

Exploitation of Moroccan women in Spain's strawberry fields

Moroccan women working in Spain’s strawberry industry face exploitation, exemplified by the recent deportation of a pregnant woman and another diagnosed with cervical cancer. Unions allege violations of labour rights, with employers denying responsibility, Morocco World News reports. The incidents have prompted calls for better protection and support for migrant workers under Spain's GECCO programme, which is designed for seasonal labour contracts.

Morocco launches surprise hotel inspections

Morocco has instituted unannounced 'mystery visits' to hotels as part of a new government strategy aimed at enhancing service quality in the tourism sector. Effective from May 27, these inspections evaluate hotels on mandatory safety and comfort criteria while promoting creativity in service. According to Morocco World News, the initiative also extends to short-term rentals to ensure consistent quality across all lodging options.

Morocco's Ministry of Interior announces July 2025 by-elections

The Ministry of Interior has scheduled by-elections for July 1, 2025, to fill over 80 vacant seats in local councils across 69 municipalities. Candidates are to submit declarations between June 12 and 17, with the election campaign commencing on June 18. This initiative aims to bolster democratic representation and citizen participation at the local governance level.

This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.

Wonder Hagan