It is time to recognize that our migrant seniors are essential players in our society

Libé: The conference that you organized at the Maison du Maroc on December 12 and 13 in Paris is an international event which deals with the issue of seniors between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Why did you choose this subject?

Imad El-Hafidi: This choice can be explained by several reasons. On the one hand, this is a population that has played an essential role, both in the host country and in the country of origin. This population has been invested at all levels either in the host country or in the country of origin, whether in economic or social matters. These seniors are concerned by crucial subjects such as health, well-being, public policies, mobility and even the right to movement. It is also a population to whom we owe great gratitude for their historical contribution.

Therefore, this conference aims to exchange views on the themes of old age in immigration

Exactly. We have structured this event around different panels. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on how to improve the quality of life of these seniors. When we talk about both shores, we also address the situation of immigrant seniors. Many of them have contributed not only to the economic development of host countries but also to that of Morocco, for example through fund transfers which today represent 15% of Moroccan GDP.

You also spoke about the difficulties these seniors face, particularly on a legal and social level in the host country.

Quite. Let’s take the example of certain countries like France, where older people risk losing their retirement rights if they are absent for more than six months. This is an unfair situation, especially considering the contributions of these people to European societies. The conference aims to identify these problems and propose concrete solutions.

At the European level, don’t the problems vary depending on the country?

Absolutely. The issues in France are not the same as in Germany or Italy, for example. We therefore brought in experts and association representatives from different countries to share their experiences and make recommendations. This also includes proposals for better coordination with public policies.

The first generation of immigrants mainly concerned France. Are there other countries affected?

Yes, there is also Belgium, the Netherlands and, later, Germany and Italy. These countries welcomed workers who contributed to their economic development. We plan to screen a documentary on Moroccan miners of the 1960s and 1970s. (The film “Coup de tampon”, by director Rachid Al Wali with the participation of the president of the Moroccan miners’ association Abdellah Samat)

You also discussed the health of seniors…

Yes, it is crucial to take care of these seniors, who sometimes find themselves forced to work in precarious jobs even after retirement. This is not normal after decades of work. We must also take into consideration the aspects of dependence and chronic illnesses which increase with age. We must think about solutions such as the training of elderly professionals in Morocco and the creation of dedicated living spaces, which are not simply retirement centers but real spaces of well-being.

There is also the difficult situation of certain elderly and lonely women who are often forgotten.

I took their cause, even to politicians, and we made recommendations, including allowing them free movement if they wish to settle in their country of origin. And today, are we able to welcome them and how? Can we create living spaces for them and allow them to access their retirement rights in Morocco if they wish to settle there? Because they have physical and financial dependence problems, and sometimes they suffer from debilitating chronic illnesses. But there is also the need, in Morocco, to create professions for older people, and the first class of nurses specialized in this medico-social field will graduate from the Marrakech school this year.

It is also an opportunity for Morocco to become an attractive destination in this area.

Morocco can offer an exceptional quality of life, including for foreign expatriates who wish to settle there for their retirement. We must promote our health system, our culture and our ability to offer quality services to seniors, whether Moroccan or foreign. But we also need to create social medical professions.

Any last words?

It is time to recognize that our migrant seniors are essential players in our society. Their well-being is a priority shared by everyone, from health professionals to public decision-makers and citizens.

Paris: Comments collected by Youssef Throw