Understanding Working Hours in Morocco

In Morocco, standard working hours differ between non-agricultural and agricultural sectors. For non-agricultural activities, employees typically work 2,288 hours annually, equivalent to 44 hours per week. Employers can distribute these hours according to business needs, but daily work should not exceed 10 hours. In agriculture, annual working hours reach 2,496, with daily schedules adjusted seasonally and approved by relevant authorities.

During exceptional circumstances, such as economic crises, companies may adjust working hours under strict conditions. For instance, to address short-term cyclical challenges, employers can modify schedules after consultation, extending daily work by up to one hour without reducing monthly wages, provided the 10-hour daily limit is respected.

Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

Maximum Hours

Moroccan labor law caps daily work at 10 hours, including overtime—comprising 8 standard hours plus up to 2 hours of overtime. Weekly limits are set at 56 hours, combining 44 standard hours and a maximum of 12 overtime hours. These regulations apply across most industries to maintain work-life balance.

Overtime Laws and Compensation

Overtime is permitted when companies face increased workloads involving national interests or special projects. Employees working beyond standard hours must receive overtime pay in addition to their regular wages.

Overtime is defined as work exceeding daily or annual limits. In non-agricultural sectors, hours beyond the 10th daily hour or the 2,288th annual hour qualify as overtime. Similarly, employees making up for missed weekly hours outside normal schedules are entitled to overtime compensation.

Overtime pay calculations include all wages and allowances except family benefits, tips (for tip-reliant workers), and expense reimbursements. Rates vary by time and day:

Daytime overtime (6:00–21:00): 25% premium
Night overtime (21:00–6:00): 50% premium
Weekend/holiday overtime: 50% (day) or 100% (night) premium

Employers violating overtime rules face fines of 300–500 MAD per employee, capped at 20,000 MAD total. Severe breaches may incur higher penalties.

Employment Contracts in Morocco

Moroccan labor contracts can be indefinite-term, fixed-term, or task-specific. Employers must register all contracts with authorities within 30 days of signing.

Fixed-term contracts are allowed only for:

Replacing absent employees (excluding strike-related absences)
Temporary business peaks
Seasonal work

Fixed-term contracts may also apply in sectors specified by collective agreements or regulations. Contracts exceeding one year automatically convert to indefinite-term agreements.

Essential Contract Clauses

Contracts must clearly outline rights and obligations, including:

Parties' identities (names, nationality, addresses)
Job nature and duration
Work location
Standard and overtime hours
Compensation details
Benefits (housing, transport, insurance)
Probation period
Leave entitlements (annual, maternity, sick leave)
Termination conditions
Non-compete clauses

Employers cannot unilaterally modify contracts without employee consent, except under force majeure, safety concerns, or legal requirements. Changes require valid justification and prior consultation.

Written Contracts

While not mandatory, written contracts are strongly recommended to prevent disputes. Contracts should be duplicated, signed by both parties, certified by authorities, and retained by the employee.

Unions and Collective Bargaining

Moroccan unions like UMT and UGTM historically advocate for workers' rights through strikes and policy influence. Collective bargaining, particularly in transport and construction, establishes industry-specific terms through agreements covering:

Wage structures and adjustments
Working hours and leave policies
Workplace safety standards
Training and development opportunities
Termination and redundancy procedures

Probation Periods

Indefinite-Term Contracts

Executives: 3 months
Employees: 1.5 months
Workers: 15 days
Probation may be renewed once

Fixed-Term Contracts

Contracts under 6 months: 2 weeks maximum
Contracts over 6 months: 1 month maximum

Shorter probation periods may be specified in contracts or company policies.

Navigating Moroccan Labor Laws with SailGlobal

Complying with Morocco's labor regulations requires expertise in local practices. SailGlobal's HR specialists provide tailored support for contract drafting, overtime management, and union negotiations, ensuring seamless operations while adhering to legal standards. Our team helps international businesses avoid penalties and build compliant workforce strategies.

Morocco Labor Law Guide: Working Hours, Overtime & Employment Contracts