Registering a domestic worker, which should be a straightforward administrative process, often turns into a complex bureaucratic ordeal for many employers. The procedure requires drafting a contract in three copies, getting it notarized, and submitting it to the Labor Inspectorate before even registering with the CNSS (National Social Security Fund). This complexity discourages many private households from formalizing employment contracts. As a result, a significant proportion of domestic workers remain outside the social security system. Many turn to alternatives such as AMO Tadamon, but without access to essential social rights like retirement benefits or health insurance.
The mandatory registration of domestic workers with the CNSS, introduced in October 2018, aimed to address this gap by providing comprehensive social protection. However, more than five years into its implementation, the results remain underwhelming: only 7,219 domestic workers have been registered, despite a far greater potential. This raises a critical question: why is there such resistance to formalization when the goal is to ensure social security for the most vulnerable workers?
Data from the CNSS in 2023 reveals that women account for 65% of registered domestic workers, highlighting the sector’s predominantly female workforce. Geographically, the Marrakech-Safi region leads with 35% of registered domestic workers, followed by Greater Casablanca (25%) and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (18%). This concentration suggests possible regional disparities in access to social security coverage.
Inequalities
In terms of demographics, the majority of domestic workers fall within the 35-50 age group: 16% are aged 35-40, 20% are between 40-45, 18% are 45-50, and 16% are 50-55. This distribution challenges the common perception that domestic work is mainly performed by younger individuals.
When it comes to wages, inequality remains stark: 58% of domestic workers earn between 1,782 dirhams (60% of the minimum wage, which was set at 2,970 dirhams in 2023) and the full minimum wage. Meanwhile, 21% earn between 3,000 and 4,000 dirhams. Higher salaries are rare: only 1% of workers earn between 6,000 and 7,000 dirhams, while 10% earn between 1,000 dirhams and 60% of the minimum wage. These figures highlight the low earnings of most domestic workers, making it difficult for them to achieve a decent standard of living.
Paradoxically, the employment contract—designed to protect workers—is often viewed as a bureaucratic burden. The administrative complexity discourages employers from formalizing employment relationships, pushing many workers into informality and leaving them outside the social protection system.
In this context, simplifying administrative procedures is a key priority for formalizing the sector. Hassan Boubrik, Director General of the CNSS, has proposed a solution: implementing a single online declaration system. This system, validated through a national ID card (CIN), would standardize employment contracts and streamline administrative procedures. The digital platform would also allow for easy adjustments to contract terms, such as salary, working hours, and contract termination, while ensuring social security coverage. Such an initiative would not only save time for employers but also serve as a crucial tool for expanding social protection for domestic workers and improving labor management.
Ultimately, introducing a simpler and more cost-effective registration process remains essential to encouraging formalization and enabling these workers to access the dignified social protection they deserve.
Khadija MASMOUDI
