Summer Exodus: Rising Costs Drive Moroccans from the Rif Region
Nador, Morocco – The picturesque Rif region, a traditional summer haven for Dutch citizens of Moroccan descent, is facing an unexpected exodus this year, as soaring prices make a visit increasingly untenable. International correspondent Soehayla Haluchi reports a significant surge in costs, impacting everything from airfare to everyday necessities, leaving many locals and returning expatriates frustrated.
Haluchi highlights the dramatic increase in air travel, noting that round-trip tickets from the Netherlands, which typically hover around €300 outside of peak season, are now commanding prices between €800 and €900 for summer travel. This steep hike presents a significant barrier for many families planning their annual return.beyond transportation, the cost of dining out has also seen an unprecedented rise, especially for establishments catering to tourists.Restaurants like “Het Hoekje” on the Corniche of Al Hoceïma, opened by Dutch-Moroccan entrepreneurs, are now serving Dutch classics at prices unheard of in Morocco. A “Speciaal frenzy” costs €4.50, and a grilled sausage sandwich is priced at €7.00, figures that are causing considerable discontent.
The economic strain is not confined to tourist-focused businesses. the general cost of living has escalated,affecting the local population as well.Haluchi points out that the Rif region, historically one of Morocco’s most marginalized and poorest areas, is experiencing price hikes across the board, including at local markets. This disproportionately impacts residents who are already struggling with economic challenges.the sentiment of frustration is palpable,amplified by viral videos circulating among Rifains both domestically and abroad. One man from Nador vociferously complained about the stark price disparity between Nador and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, just twenty kilometers away. He noted that a coffee in Melilla costs a third of the price in Nador,despite significantly higher average earnings in the Spanish territory. This sentiment is echoed by many others angered by the summer price inflation.
The pronounced price fluctuations in northern Morocco, compared to other regions that attract year-round tourism and maintain more stable pricing, are attributed to the Rif region’s heavy reliance on the two-month summer vacation period. With the region grappling with the highest unemployment rate in Morocco, standing at 25% and a staggering 37% among young people, this seasonal economic dependence exacerbates the impact of rising costs.
