The number of foreign prisoners in Moroccan jails has reached 1,935, marking a 21% increase from 1,598 in September 2025. This growth includes 1,803 male and 132 female inmates. The data, released by the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation, highlights a significant rise in the foreign prison population over the past year.
Spanish citizens make up the second-largest European group in Moroccan prisons, with 79 inmates as of September 2026. This represents an increase from 74 Spanish prisoners in the same period last year. The French have the largest European presence, with 144 prisoners, while other European nationalities, including British, Dutch, and Belgian citizens, are also represented.
African inmates dominate the foreign prison population in Morocco, accounting for 77% of the total. Senegalese prisoners lead the list with 337 inmates, followed by Ivorians with 200 prisoners, and Nigerians and Guineans with 198 each. Other African countries, such as Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, and Egypt, also have citizens incarcerated in Moroccan prisons.
The Asian and American prisoner populations in Morocco comprise 13 Brazilians, 8 Syrians, 8 Chinese, and 6 Palestinians. In addition to these groups, there are prisoners from various other nationalities, including those with dual citizenship. The number of prisoners with dual citizenship has risen to 33, up from 18 in the previous year.
The demographic breakdown of foreign prisoners in Morocco shows that men account for approximately 93% of the total, while women make up 7%. This ratio indicates a significant imbalance in the gender distribution of foreign inmates. The growth in the foreign prison population may have implications for Morocco's prison system and rehabilitation programs.
The increase in foreign prisoners in Morocco may be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration patterns, law enforcement, and judicial cooperation with other countries. The Moroccan authorities have not provided specific details on the causes of this growth. However, the data suggests that the country's prisons are becoming increasingly diverse, with inmates from a wide range of nationalities.
As the foreign prisoner population in Morocco continues to grow, the country's prison authorities will face challenges in providing adequate facilities and rehabilitation programs for inmates from diverse backgrounds. The Moroccan government may need to consider strategies to address the needs of foreign prisoners and promote their successful reintegration into society upon release.
Key points
- The number of foreign prisoners in Morocco has increased by 21% to 1,935 as of September 2026.
- African inmates account for 77% of the foreign prison population, with Senegalese prisoners being the largest group.
- The number of prisoners with dual citizenship has risen to 33, up from 18 in the previous year.
