Migrant healthcare access in Morocco: A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Morocco is at the forefront of a complex migratory dynamic because of its strategic geographical position, situated at the crossroads between sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the Middle East, which has shifted migratory flows in the kingdom. As a result, it must meet migrants' needs, especially in healthcare. Although several studies have explored aspects of healthcare access for migrant populations, there is a notable lack of comprehensive reviews synthesising this research. This gap hinders a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by migrants in accessing healthcare and its implications for public health policy. Aim: This study aimed to analyse and integrate existing research findings to offer decision-makers evidence-based insights for developing informed and effective strategies. Setting: The study examined healthcare access for migrants within the Moroccan healthcare system. Method: We employed a narrative review method consisting of three key steps: defining the research question, designing the search strategy and selecting articles based on predefined criteria. Seventeen documents were ultimately included in this exploratory review. Results: Reviewed studies identified five main obstacles hindering migrants' access to Morocco's healthcare system: legal restrictions, procedural requirements, high healthcare costs, lack of knowledge about rights and the Moroccan health system and fear of being reported to immigration authorities, particularly among irregular migrants. Conclusion: The study identified significant gaps in the existing research, particularly the lack of data stratification by socio-cultural and administrative criteria. Additionally, there is limited investigation into how these barriers affect both physical and mental health. The analysis also revealed a scarcity of mixed-method studies that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of these issues. Contribution: Addressing these gaps would enable decision-makers to better understand the underlying issues affecting healthcare access for migrants in Morocco, ultimately leading to the development of strategies to improve access.