The fourth edition of the International Migrant Forum in Fquih Ben Salah, launched on 1 August and running until 15 August 2026, continues to offer a diverse programme combining institutional, economic, cultural, artistic, sporting and heritage activities. The programme will conclude with two sporting events: the Migrant Race and a football tournament.
Held under the supervision of the Province of Fquih Ben Salah and organized by the Al Khawa Al Omiriya Al Moussaouiya Association of Moroccans of the World, the fourth edition is being held in partnership with the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Regional Council, the Provincial Council of Fquih Ben Salah, the Municipal Council of Fquih Ben Salah, the Regional Development Company “Atlas for Tourism Development”, the OCP Group, and the Oum Er-Rbia Association for Integrated Development, with the support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Crédit Agricole du Maroc, and Italia Machine.
Held under the theme “Talents and Skills for the Morocco of Tomorrow”, this edition aims to strengthen dialogue between Moroccans living abroad, public institutions and local stakeholders, while highlighting the skills originating from the province and promoting development and investment opportunities in the region.
National Migrant Day: Celebrating Moroccan Skills and Achievements
One of the major highlights of the fourth edition was the celebration of National Migrant Day, held on Monday, 10 August, at the annex of the Province of Fquih Ben Salah. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mr. Mohamed Qernachi, alongside government and local officials, representatives of public institutions and services, elected officials, as well as civil society, economic and cultural stakeholders and members of the Moroccan community living abroad.
The event featured a ceremony honouring a number of distinguished Moroccan talents and personalities originating from the province and the region, whose professional and personal achievements have made an impact both in Morocco and abroad in fields including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, investment, entrepreneurship, sport, the arts, media and heritage.
Among the Moroccan talents living abroad who were honoured were Imane Ould Naanaa, a physician in Italy; Alia Chmeit, a businesswoman and sports coach in Spain; Awatif El Aziz, an investor active between Italy and Morocco; Issam El Khelti, an investor and manager of an Italian football club; Ibtissam Qarqar, a pharmacist in Germany; and Mohamed Qassid, an investor in Spain and founder of a centre specialising in the training and professional qualification of foreign and seasonal workers.
The honours also went to Samia Abbari, an artist and television presenter in Italy; Rajaa Khaled, editor-in-chief of an international magazine and institutional communication consultant working in Morocco and the United States; Meryem El Taki, an industrial engineer and teacher of mathematics and robotics in Italy; Noureddine Lfif, founder of a company specialising in equipment for restaurants and bakeries and president of the Moroccan Federation of Bakery and Pastry; Marouane El Mansoub, businessman and president of the Moroccan-Italian Chamber of Commerce; Aziza El Mefdoul, an investor in the restaurant sector in Italy; Noureddine Abbas Daki, digital content creator and Moroccan bodybuilding champion; Meryem Kroumi, a specialist in social and healthcare services in Italy and holder of the highest baccalaureate grade; and Mohamed El Hassani, an IT engineer in France.
The ceremony also honoured several talents and local stakeholders from the province and the region, including Mustapha Baaïriz, President of the Regional Development Company “Atlas for Tourism Development” of Béni Mellal-Khénifra; Assoud Beni Amir Association; Souk Sebt Royal Taekwondo Club Association; Al Wifaq Taekwondo Association; Mustapha Raouf, a heritage researcher; Seddik Benzina, Director of the Second Channel’s regional office for the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region; and Mohamed El Ayoubi, President of the Fquih Ben Salah Football Union.
Through these distinctions, the Forum highlights the diversity of talents originating from the province and their contribution to Morocco’s national and international profile, while strengthening links between these talents, their home region and local stakeholders.
“The Passage of the Sultans and Commercial Caravans”: Preserving and Promoting the Region’s Historical Memory
The cultural and heritage dimension of National Migrant Day was also highlighted by the screening of the documentary “The Passage of the Sultans and Commercial Caravans – 18th Century in the Province of Fquih Ben Salah.”
The film explores a chapter of the province’s history through a number of sites, monuments and historical accounts associated with the movements of sultans and commercial caravans during the 18th century.
Presented prior to the screening, the project seeks to rediscover and document this heritage, raise awareness of its historical and cultural significance, and highlight its potential for cultural and heritage tourism, while opening up new prospects for young people and local stakeholders.
The documentary, produced alongside the historical caravan “The Passage of the Sultans”, represents the first stage of a broader initiative aimed at continuing research, documentation and promotion of historical sites and accounts across the Lower Tadla area and the Province of Fquih Ben Salah.
The film was directed by Abdelilah Moujani, based on editorial work by journalist Mohamed Hafidi, with the participation of historians, researchers, professionals, technicians, artists, horsemen and participants in the historical caravan.
From Territorial Diagnosis to Practical Mechanisms for Migrant Integration
Following this focus on the historical memory of the region, the programme turned to current migration and development issues through a presentation by Dr. Bouazza Slak, originally from Fquih Ben Salah, on “Territorial Diagnosis for the Integration of Migrants.”
The presentation highlighted the importance of taking into account the specific characteristics of the territory, as well as the needs and expectations of Moroccans living abroad, in order to identify practical mechanisms for strengthening their contribution to local development and making better use of their skills, experience and professional and economic networks.
In the same context, a conference was organised in partnership with the Regional Council of Adouls attached to the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Court of Appeal, addressing a number of issues concerning Moroccans of the World and their relations with the relevant institutions and public services.
Migrant Tents: Reception, Information, Guidance and Investment
Since 1 August, the Migrant Tents, set up in Fquih Ben Salah, Souk Sebt Ouled Nemma, Bradia and Weld Zidouh, have served as one of the Forum’s main local outreach facilities.
Beyond welcoming and registering members of the Moroccan community living abroad, these spaces host various information and cultural activities, present the Forum’s programme and provide visitors with information on investment opportunities and available services. They also guide members of the Moroccan community towards the relevant institutions and services according to their needs.
As of 11 August 2026, a total of 3,160 members of the Moroccan community living abroad had registered their details at the four tents: 2,000 in Fquih Ben Salah, 800 in Souk Sebt Ouled Nemma, 290 in Bradia and 70 in Weld Zidouh.
The data collected so far indicate that 41% of those registered reside in Italy, 37% in Spain, 15% in France and 7% in other countries. These figures remain provisional and may change as registration continues.
The initiative has also mobilised more than 23 young people to supervise and organise the tents. In addition, more than 104 local artists, technicians and professionals have taken part in the Forum’s various activities, alongside 25 groups of Abidat Rma, representing nearly 200 additional artists and participants.
Together, these categories account for more than 327 direct employment and participation opportunities generated through the organisation and delivery of the Forum, without taking into account the indirect economic impact on several local sectors, including restaurants, hotels, printing services, cooperatives, transport, logistics, equipment and production.
Bringing Institutions Closer to Moroccans of the World
As part of this local outreach approach, members of the Moroccan community visited the stands of the institutions and services participating in the Forum. They were able to learn about available programmes and services and engage directly with representatives of the relevant organisations.
The initiative helped facilitate access to information and guide visitors towards the appropriate services, particularly regarding investment, administrative services and procedures of interest to Moroccans living abroad.
A Programme Continuing Until 15 August
The fourth edition of the International Migrant Forum in Fquih Ben Salah continues until 15 August 2026, with a programme combining culture, the arts, sport, heritage, investment and exchanges with Moroccans living abroad.
The closing programme will feature the Migrant Race and a football tournament, bringing the sporting dimension of the Forum to a close after several days of activities, meetings and events.
Through its fourth edition, the Forum is consolidating its role as a platform bringing together Moroccans living abroad, institutions and local stakeholders, while highlighting Moroccan skills, investment opportunities and the cultural and historical heritage of the province.
This dynamic is in line with the particular attention devoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to Moroccans living abroad, to strengthening their ties with their country of origin and to promoting their contribution to the Kingdom’s economic, social and cultural development.
