Agadir, Morocco — April 19, 2026 — In a significant labor reform announcement, Morocco is set to reduce the working hours of private security guards from the current 12-hour shifts to a standard 8-hour workday. This move, which is poised to be fully enforced by 2027, follows a decision made during the recent April session of social dialogue. Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills Younes Sekkouri highlighted the reform’s purpose: “We have agreed today with our social partners to start the reform of reducing working hours from 12 hours to 8 hours for the benefit of guards within the framework of social dialogue.
Officials commented on the matter.
The reform targets Article 197 of Law No. 65-99, Morocco’s Labor Code, which previously contained an exception allowing private security agents to work 12-hour shifts. This adjustment seeks to align the standard working day for these employees with the national norm of 8 hours.
The implementation of this measure is expected to impact approximately 400,000 workers, including those in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, and banking.
However, it also poses significant financial implications, as the reorganization of security services may lead to an increase in expenses for clients, both public institutions and private firms, by 40% to 50%. This labor reform is part of broader efforts to enhance workers’rights and improve labor conditions in Morocco. It is a direct response to concerns regarding the health and well-being of security guards, who were previously subjected to grueling 12-hour shifts.
As the country navigates economic development and social reform, this labor reform could set a precedent for future changes aimed at improving the lives of workers across various sectors.
The Moroccan government’s commitment to labor rights and social justice is evident in this bold move to revise working hours for security guards.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 2*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Hanane Afeznaoui
