A significant step forward in Morocco’s social welfare agenda was made official this week, as the government approved a new decree aimed at enhancing pension protections for some of the country’s most vulnerable retirees. During a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, officials adopted Decree No. 2.25.265, which reshapes how old-age and disability pensions are distributed through the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
Spearheaded by Finance Minister Nadia Fettah, the measure fulfills one of the central promises of a landmark agreement reached on April 30, 2022, between the government and major labor unions. That agreement, born out of ongoing social dialogue efforts, committed to improving retirement access—particularly for workers with at least 1,320 days of contributions, roughly equal to four years of employment.
Speaking after the cabinet session, Government Spokesman Mustapha Baitas emphasized that the reform’s core goal is to guarantee a minimum pension for CNSS-affiliated retirees and people living with disabilities, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 18.96. This ensures that even those with incomplete work histories are not left behind.
The new decree sets a floor for pension payouts, ensuring that beneficiaries are not forced to live below a certain threshold of dignity in old age or due to disability. For thousands of Moroccans who have worked intermittently or in low-paying jobs, this will represent a critical safety net.
The initiative has been widely welcomed as a major move toward strengthening social rights in Morocco, especially at a time when universal social protection is high on the national agenda. Establishing a minimum pension is more than a financial decision—it’s a social commitment to fairness and inclusion, reinforcing the country’s broader efforts to create a more equitable welfare system.
