In 2026, that relationship is taking on a new dimension through the official theme chosen for National Day of Moroccans Living Abroad:

“Moroccans Living Abroad at the Service of Morocco 2030 Projects”

The theme was officially announced by the department in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad and places diaspora skills and expertise at the centre of the Kingdom’s strategic projects for 2030.

This slogan is more than a ceremonial phrase. It reflects a deeper shift in the way Moroccans abroad are viewed: not simply as summer visitors or providers of remittances, but as partners in development, investment, innovation, knowledge transfer and nation-building.

A National Day Rooted in a Royal Vision

National Day of Moroccans Living Abroad was established in 2003 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, as an annual occasion to strengthen ties with the diaspora, listen to its expectations and highlight its achievements and contribution.

More than two decades later, the day has evolved far beyond a symbolic commemoration.

It now reflects a broader and more sustained policy of attention to Moroccans abroad, including better reception services, simplified procedures, digitalisation, investment support, mobilisation of expertise and institutional reform.

Royal Attention as a Constant

The attention given by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to Moroccans living abroad has been a consistent feature of the Royal vision in recent years.

In the Royal Speech of August 20, 2022, delivered on the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, His Majesty called for effective mechanisms to support Moroccan talent abroad and accompany their initiatives.

One particularly significant passage stated:

“To this end, and in the best interests of all, effective mechanisms should be put in place for their sponsorship, support and partnership.”

That message marked a clear shift.

The objective is no longer merely to preserve an emotional bond with the diaspora. It is to create the conditions that allow Moroccan professionals abroad to participate, invest, share expertise and build projects with the Kingdom.

From Attachment to Mobilising Talent

This evolution matters.

The challenge today is not only to keep Moroccans abroad connected to the country, but also to transform that connection into tangible projects.

A Moroccan researcher at an international university can develop a scientific partnership with a Moroccan institution.

An engineer working for a global company can transfer technical know-how.

A Moroccan doctor abroad can contribute to training or research.

A businessperson from the diaspora can invest in their region of origin.

And a young Moroccan from the second or third generation can discover professional opportunities in the Kingdom.

In this way, the diaspora becomes more than a community overseas. It becomes a global network of skills, experience and opportunity.

2024: A New Institutional Phase

The Royal Speech of November 6, 2024, marking the 49th anniversary of the Green March, represented another major step.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, praised the patriotism of Moroccans living abroad and their contribution to national development, while announcing a reorganisation of the institutional framework dedicated to diaspora affairs.

The new architecture highlighted the role of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad and the Mohammedia Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad, with a stronger operational focus on supporting Moroccans abroad.

The Royal Speech also emphasised the need to open greater opportunities for Moroccan skills and expertise abroad, support project holders and accelerate the simplification and digitalisation of administrative and judicial procedures.

The message was unmistakable: the Moroccan diaspora is not a peripheral issue.

It is part of the national strategy for modernisation and development.

“At the Service of Morocco 2030 Projects”: A Theme That Goes Beyond Celebration

This year’s theme carries a particularly strong message.

“Moroccans Living Abroad at the Service of Morocco 2030 Projects” does not mean the diaspora is simply invited to observe Morocco’s transformation.

It means it is invited to take part in it.

Official authorities have highlighted several strategic areas where Moroccan talent abroad can contribute, including infrastructure development, investment attraction, digital transition, energy transition, water management and modernisation of public services.

Preparations linked to the 2030 FIFA World Cup also form part of this horizon, as a major opportunity to accelerate economic, social and territorial development.

A Positive Reading of the 2026 Theme

What makes the theme especially significant is that it moves the national conversation beyond a traditional question.

It is no longer simply:

How much money do Moroccans abroad send to Morocco?

The larger question is now:

How can their expertise, experience and international networks help build Morocco 2030?

This is a qualitative shift.

Remittances remain essential, but they are only one part of the picture.

The broader value lies in knowledge transfer, international business connections, scientific cooperation, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment.

What the Authorities Have Planned for August 10

According to the official announcement, the 2026 National Day is being marked across Morocco’s prefectures and provinces, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, so that as many Moroccans abroad as possible who are currently in the Kingdom can take part.

The meetings and activities are expected to focus on the role of diaspora expertise and its contribution to Morocco’s strategic projects toward 2030.

This territorial approach is important.

The issue is not only national. It is regional and local as well.

Moroccans abroad often remain deeply connected to their hometowns, villages and regions of origin. Bringing institutions and opportunities closer to them can help turn that attachment into local investment and development.

Regional Investment Centres Mobilised for Moroccans Abroad

Another important initiative is the mobilisation of Morocco’s Regional Investment Centres, or CRIs, from August 10 to 13, to support projects led by Moroccans abroad.

This gives the official slogan a practical dimension.

Encouraging diaspora investment cannot be limited to speeches. It requires clear information, identified opportunities, simplified procedures and direct support.

Regional Investment Centres can therefore play an important role in helping turn an idea into a project, and a project into an investment.

Operation Marhaba: Another Expression of Royal Attention

The attention given to Moroccans abroad is also visible in Operation Marhaba 2026.

Launched on June 10 on the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and under His effective presidency, the operation mobilises reception centres in Morocco and Europe together with teams providing social, medical and humanitarian assistance.

There is a clear continuity here.

The relationship begins with welcoming Moroccans abroad at ports, airports and border crossings, but it does not end there.

It extends to administration, investment, housing, digital services and professional support.

From Serving the Traveller to Partnering with the Citizen

This evolution can be understood as a gradual shift from a model focused on serving the traveller to one built around partnering with the citizen.

A Moroccan abroad is not simply someone returning home for the summer.

They are also a citizen carrying knowledge, professional experience, networks and human capital.

When the relationship is built on trust, clarity and effective support, the contribution of the diaspora can go far beyond remittances.

Morocco 2030 Needs Its Citizens Wherever They Are

Morocco is entering a period of major transformation in transport, infrastructure, energy, industry, water, tourism, digitalisation, services and sport.

In this context, the Kingdom has a major advantage: citizens who live and work within different economic, scientific and professional environments around the world.

This dual belonging is not a weakness.

It is a strength.

Moroccans abroad understand Morocco while also understanding how other economies, institutions and markets operate.

That makes them potential connectors, investors, experts, innovators and partners.

The New Generation of Moroccans Abroad: A Strategic Challenge

There is another crucial dimension that August 10 should never overlook: the children and grandchildren of the first generations of migration.

Many were born abroad and study, work and build their lives there.

Yet Morocco remains present through family, language, culture, memories, summer holidays, food, football and traditions.

Maintaining that connection is one of the major challenges of the coming decades.

It requires more than seasonal visits.

It requires opportunities, educational exchanges, professional pathways, entrepreneurship and programmes that make young Moroccans abroad feel they have a genuine place in Morocco’s future.

Every effort to strengthen that bond is an investment in the continuity of the relationship across generations.

From Symbol to Action

The success of National Day should therefore not be measured only by the number of ceremonies organised.

It should be measured by what it helps trigger.

An investor who finds the right contact.

A researcher who creates a scientific partnership.

A doctor who shares expertise.

A second-generation Moroccan who discovers a professional opportunity in the Kingdom.

An entrepreneur who launches a project in their region of origin.

That is when the theme:

“Moroccans Living Abroad at the Service of Morocco 2030 Projects”

takes on its full meaning.

It does not ask the diaspora to watch Morocco move forward.

It invites them to move forward with it.

A Special Relationship Between the Throne and Moroccans Abroad

Across successive Royal orientations, one constant is clear: His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, considers Moroccans living abroad an integral part of the Nation and actors in its development.

In 2024, His Majesty notably stressed the need to open the way for Moroccan skills and expertise based abroad.

That sentence captures the spirit of the 2026 National Day.

Open the way for researchers.

For engineers.

For doctors.

For investors.

For artists.

For entrepreneurs.

For young generations.

For every Moroccan abroad carrying experience that can become added value for the Kingdom.

Morocco Is Also Wherever Its People Live

National Day of Moroccans Living Abroad began in 2003 as an annual occasion to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and the homeland.

More than twenty years later, its ambition is much broader.

It is no longer only about celebrating attachment.

It is about transforming that attachment into expertise, investment, innovation, partnership and development.

That is why this year’s theme fits the moment so well:

“Moroccans Living Abroad at the Service of Morocco 2030 Projects”

At MM News, we believe this message should be read in both directions.

Moroccans abroad can contribute enormously to Morocco.

And Morocco must continue to open doors, simplify procedures, support projects and give diaspora talent the place it deserves.

Moroccans abroad are neither outside the national project nor on its margins. They are part of its strength, its global reach and one of the faces of Morocco’s future.

On this National Day, MM News pays tribute to every Moroccan woman and man who carries Morocco’s name across the world and contributes, through knowledge, work, projects, success or commitment, to the Kingdom’s development and international standing.