2024 Census: Foreign Ministry Hosts Meeting with Diplomatic, Consular Representatives to Morocco

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates and the High Commission for Planning organized, here Tuesday, a meeting with diplomatic and consular representations accredited to Morocco, to highlight the role of these missions in raising awareness among the foreign community about the General Census of Population and Housing (RGPH-2024). This meeting’s 7th edition, held in application of the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI and in compliance with the recommendations of the United Nations Statistical Commission, aims to identify the Kingdom’s population comprising of both Moroccan citizens and foreign residents living in the country. The census reflects national authorities’ commitment to collecting a complete and inclusive view of the resident population, in line with international standards, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita stated.  In accordance with international practice and the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic relations, the census evidentally does not concern members of diplomatic and consular missions accredited to Morocco, Bourita specified in a speech read on his behalf by Ambassador and Director General of Political Affairs at the Ministry Fouad Yazough, . The support of these missions is important and essential in the framework of bilateral relations, he noted, stressing these missions’ commitment and support to ensure the success of this operation to the benefit of all residents of our country. For his part, High Commissioner for Planning, Ahmed Lahlimi Alami, underlined that the success of the census depends largely on the support of foreign communities residing in Morocco, in order to guarantee an accurate and inclusive representation of the entire population. Compared to the 2004 census, foreign population in Morocco recorded an absolute increase of 32,566 foreigners, an overall growth rate of 63.3% over the intercensal period, Lahlimi said in a speech read on his behalf by HCP Secretary General Ayache Khellaf. Praising the exemplary spirit of partnership demonstrated by diplomatic representations and international organizations, within the framework of this large-scale operation, Lahlimi highlighted in particular the invaluable support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and UNICEF, as well as the joint initiative with six UN agencies, which helped 74 migrants and refugees residing in Morocco be actively involved in the data collection process as relays within their communities. “We are counting heavily on the role diplomatic representations and international organizations can play in raising awareness among the foreign community in our country of the need to participate in the seventh General Census of Population and Housing”, Khellaf insisted. This mobilization contributes to improving the quality of the statistics produced while reinforcing the efficiency of public policies, he pointed out, adding that the success of this large-scale operation depends not only on national collaboration, but also on the solidity of international partnerships, whereby the census can faithfully reflect the diversity and realities of the Moroccan population. The General Census of Population and Housing is of vital importance for public policy planning and the country’s socio-economic development, providing a detailed snapshot of Moroccan society and its evolution.