How Moroccan workers can legally reclaim unpaid wages step by step
Employees in Morocco can take legal steps to recover unpaid wages through the Ministry of Labour. If a worker is owed 18,000 dirhams for unpaid salaries from December 2025 and February 2026, they can file a formal complaint—even while still employed by the company. The process involves several stages, from administrative review to potential court action. The first step is submitting a complaint to the Ministry of Labour. Once reviewed, the ministry will issue a decision that either party—the employee or employer—can challenge within 15 working days before the Court of First Instance.
If no appeal is filed, the ministry's ruling becomes enforceable. However, the employee must then wait another 15 working days before requesting execution. This delay allows the employer time to comply voluntarily.
Should the employer refuse to pay, the next stage involves obtaining an enforceable title (titre exécutoire) from the ministry. A bailiff (huissier de justice) is then instructed to serve a formal demand for payment. If the employer still does not settle the debt, compulsory enforcement may follow, including asset seizure. Appeals during this phase can temporarily halt proceedings, so legal advice is recommended to navigate potential obstacles.
If the case reaches the Court of First Instance and a ruling is issued, the employee can immediately file for execution to recover the owed amount. The process for reclaiming unpaid wages in Morocco requires patience and adherence to strict timelines. After a ministry decision, a 15-day waiting period applies before enforcement can begin, unless an appeal is lodged. For precise guidance, consulting a local lawyer is advised, as procedures may vary depending on the case.
