Zakaria's testimony: a former MRE who returns to Morocco to build his new life

In recent years, Morocco has seen more and more of its nationals from abroad return to the country. This trend is clearly only the beginning of a great desire to return to one's roots and origins.

Moreover, many media outlets from all backgrounds, YouTubers and more generally many people are making the same observation: third-generation MRE are increasingly making the reverse journey of their parents and grandparents. Some talk about it, others dream of it / are preparing for it and some ultimately accomplish this great return to the homeland.

What then motivates these MRE to return? How does the settlement go once on site?

Why make this choice?

We asked these many questions to Zakaria, a former MRE who returned to Morocco in 2021

who is our guest in this article. Indeed, what could be better for the Accromaroc team than to offer

you a real testimony from a Moroccan who made this choice with his family. Discover

therefore without further delay Zakaria's feedback, which perhaps will be a great source

of inspiration for you!

As salâmou'alaykoum Zakaria, can you introduce yourself in a few words?

"Wa alaykoum salam,

I am Zakaria, married and father of one child. I am 32 years old and I currently live in Tanger in the north of the country.

I returned to Morocco in 2021 with my family. On the professional side, I am an entrepreneur and

I work in website creation across Morocco where I support my clients in their digital projects throughout the kingdom."

Why did you choose to return to Morocco?

"Because nothing beats one's home. As a former MRE, in Morocco we truly feel in our

country. We no longer have to fear discrimination and can therefore peacefully live our

way of life according to our values, our ethics and our principles without being discriminated against. In Morocco also,

we reconnect with our roots and this is something very important, in my opinion, for oneself and

for one's family. I indeed find that one must preserve one's Moroccan identity even when living

abroad and what better way to do this than to return to the country which is that of our parents, grand-

parents and great-grandparents to strengthen the nation. Returning to Morocco is a strong symbol and it

is possible through this to demonstrate that there is a real future in this beautiful country which is full of immense potential. At a time

when eldorado is no longer Europe for many people, a large number of Moroccans are therefore choosing to return to their

homes to build a new future there and a new life full of possibilities and fulfilment."

Why Morocco and not another country?

"Because we are first and foremost Moroccan in our origins and our culture. We have as

pride our country which means we wanted to return to it in order to contribute to its development and

also put our stone in the edifice. If we are to contribute to a country, we might as well contribute to our

country. Moreover, having Moroccan nationality makes many things easier in terms of

settlement and administrative procedures. In reality, as a Moroccan, there are no

complicated procedures once you are back in the country."

How is life on site in Morocco?

"Very well al hamdoulilah. We feel at home and safe. We can now

serenely envisage projects both personal and professional in accordance with our

values and principles. Moreover, the Moroccan way of life, the climate and the beauty of the country

can only contribute even more to the good development and successful settlement of one's family on site.

However, one must know how to adapt and integrate with the people here to experience an easier settlement, because the

mentalities and ways of life can vary compared to a European way of living, especially

for us who grew up there since we were very young."

How can one sustain, professionally speaking, one's settlement in Morocco?

"Don't wait for things to happen. One must be active and develop one's professional projects.

Business opportunities are immense in Morocco and there are truly many things to

do. Moreover, the considerable advantage of this country is that it can be much easier to launch a

entrepreneurial project. Morocco is a country experiencing economic growth and

impressive development. It is therefore obvious that for us as Moroccans, we

can and must contribute, on our scale, to the country's radiance so that we no longer have anything

to envy others (and this is already the case in many sectors and cities in Morocco). For those

in employment, note that the job market in Morocco is also recruiting and that for French

/ European profiles, there can be many interesting opportunities."

Can you tell us an anecdote?

"Yes. People here on site often ask why you returned to Morocco? Often, this type of

question is asked with much astonishment. Very often, by explaining to people that Morocco

is a country of the future, that we as Moroccans must contribute to our country and that

we will never feel better elsewhere with regard to our culture, this induces

understanding in many and respect for this choice."

A final word Zakaria to finish?

"Morocco welcomes its diaspora from around the world with much benevolence and ease.

This outstretched hand must be for us a strong signal that our country will always remain our country and

this regardless of where we are across the world. Moreover, Moroccans whether resident or not,

have a major role to play in the future of their country, it is up to us to respond favourably to this call."

Testimony collected on 19 September 2024

Thank you Zakaria for your exclusive experience sharing for the Accromaroc site. We hope that your testimony will be beneficial to the Moroccan diaspora who follow us with ever so much interest and attention.