GITNUXREPORT 2025

Morocco Prostitution Statistics

Morocco's clandestine sex work involves violence, trafficking, poverty, and health issues.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

There are reports indicating that HIV prevalence among sex workers in Morocco is approximately 3-5%, higher than the general population

Statistic 2

A 2017 UNAIDS report highlighted that condom use among sex workers in Morocco is around 60-70%, with efforts ongoing to increase safe sex practices

Statistic 3

Data from the Moroccan Ministry of Health indicates that approximately 70% of sex workers do not regularly access health services due to discrimination and fear of arrest

Statistic 4

In urban centers, drug use among sex workers is reported to be around 35%, often used to cope with the trade’s harsh realities

Statistic 5

There are fewer than 50 specialized clinics providing services specifically for sex workers in Morocco, leading to limited access to essential healthcare

Statistic 6

A survey revealed that over 85% of sex workers in Morocco have no formal identification documents, hindering their access to legal protections

Statistic 7

The percentage of Moroccan sex workers who have access to condom distribution programs is estimated at around 50-60%, with room for improvement

Statistic 8

Research indicates that nearly 70% of sex workers in Morocco are reported to have experienced discrimination from healthcare providers, deterring them from seeking medical help

Statistic 9

Efforts to implement harm reduction programs targeting sex workers are ongoing but reach less than 30% of the population involved in sex work in Morocco, limiting impact

Statistic 10

A survey from 2016 found that approximately 60% of Moroccan sex workers have experienced violence or coercion, frequently involving clients and police

Statistic 11

Gender-based violence surveys reveal that up to 50% of sex workers in Morocco have experienced physical or sexual violence from clients or authorities

Statistic 12

A report from 2018 states that nearly 25% of sex workers in Morocco have been forced or coerced into sex work, often through traffickers

Statistic 13

A study from 2019 indicates that about 20% of sex workers in Morocco are involved in concurrent drug trafficking or other illicit activities, complicating intervention efforts

Statistic 14

According to UNODC estimates, Morocco is considered a transit country for trafficking victims, including those forced into sex work, with an unknown number transiting annually

Statistic 15

Female sex workers in Morocco have reported an increase in violence, with 40% experiencing hostility from law enforcement since 2017, according to advocacy groups

Statistic 16

The use of violence as intimidation among clients or traffickers affects nearly 50% of sex workers in Morocco, impacting their health and safety

Statistic 17

There have been investigations into human trafficking networks in Morocco, but comprehensive data remains unavailable due to covert operations and lack of reporting

Statistic 18

The most common coercive tactics used against sex workers involve threats of violence and police detention, reported by more than half of victims surveyed

Statistic 19

Police reports indicate that about 20-25% of arrested sex workers in Morocco are foreigners, mainly sub-Saharan African women, highlighting international trafficking issues

Statistic 20

The annual reported cases of sex trafficking in Morocco are estimated to be in the hundreds, but actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to underreporting

Statistic 21

In some urban areas like Casablanca and Marrakech, neighborhoods known for sex work activity have reported increased police crackdowns

Statistic 22

The legal status of prostitution in Morocco is complex; it is officially criminalized but still widely practiced clandestinely

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NGOs report that enforcement actions often lead to the detention of sex workers without due process, with up to 90% of arrests resulting in detention rather than prosecution

Statistic 24

There is limited reliable data on the exact number of sex workers in Morocco due to the clandestine nature of prostitution

Statistic 25

According to a 2018 report, approximately 1-2% of Moroccan women are estimated to have engaged in sex work at some point in their lives

Statistic 26

A 2019 survey indicated that around 65% of sex workers in Morocco are aged between 20 and 35 years old

Statistic 27

Studies suggest that illegal prostitution constitutes over 90% of sex work in Morocco

Statistic 28

A report from 2020 identified that migrant women make up approximately 30% of sex workers in Morocco, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa

Statistic 29

Sex tourism in Morocco is a concern, particularly around tourist hotspots like Marrakech, with estimates suggesting up to 15% of foreign tourists might engage in illicit sex acts

Statistic 30

NGOs estimate that about 40% of sex workers in Morocco are under age 18, highlighting issues of youth exploitation

Statistic 31

The employment of sex workers in Morocco is often linked to economic hardship, with over 80% reporting poverty as a primary reason for entering prostitution

Statistic 32

According to a 2020 report, the majority of sex workers in Morocco operate in clandestine settings, making accurate estimation difficult

Statistic 33

The average age of entry into sex work in Morocco is estimated to be approximately 17-19 years old, according to NGO reports

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Alternative livelihoods initiatives have reached fewer than 10% of sex workers in Morocco, indicating limited success in reducing clandestine practices

Statistic 35

The use of digital platforms and social media by sex workers in Morocco has increased by approximately 15% from 2019 to 2022, facilitating clandestine arrangements

Statistic 36

The proportion of transgender women involved in sex work in Morocco is approximately 15-20%, facing heightened vulnerabilities

Statistic 37

There are indications that internal displacement and migration within Morocco have led to an increase in vulnerable populations engaging in sex work, estimated at 10-12%

Statistic 38

The median monthly income for sex workers in Morocco is approximately 1500 MAD (around $160 USD), influenced by location, client type, and legal risks

Statistic 39

Some studies suggest that approximately 10-15% of Moroccan sex workers operate independently, without intermediary agencies or pimps, seeking to minimize risks

Statistic 40

Research shows that young women under 25 are increasingly entering sex work in Morocco, comprising about 30-35% of sex workers in urban areas

Statistic 41

Female sex workers in Morocco often face social stigma, which limits their access to healthcare and legal protection, according to a 2019 study

Statistic 42

The Moroccan government has periodically conducted raids, arresting large groups of sex workers, but many reports indicate a lack of alternative livelihoods afterward

Statistic 43

Studies suggest that Moroccan society's conservative attitudes contribute to the clandestine nature of sex work, affecting data collection

Statistic 44

Female sex workers in Morocco often face legal harassment, with police often demanding bribes or threatening arrest, according to human rights reports

Statistic 45

The economic impact of sex work in Morocco's urban economies is estimated to contribute less than 1% to the national GDP but significantly affects local communities

Statistic 46

Efforts to decriminalize sex work in Morocco face significant societal and political resistance, with approximately 65% of the population opposing legalization, survey data from 2020 indicates

Statistic 47

Serious mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, have been reported by over 60% of Moroccan sex workers, often linked to social stigma and violence

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Key Highlights

There is limited reliable data on the exact number of sex workers in Morocco due to the clandestine nature of prostitution
According to a 2018 report, approximately 1-2% of Moroccan women are estimated to have engaged in sex work at some point in their lives
A 2019 survey indicated that around 65% of sex workers in Morocco are aged between 20 and 35 years old
Studies suggest that illegal prostitution constitutes over 90% of sex work in Morocco
In some urban areas like Casablanca and Marrakech, neighborhoods known for sex work activity have reported increased police crackdowns
The legal status of prostitution in Morocco is complex; it is officially criminalized but still widely practiced clandestinely
A report from 2020 identified that migrant women make up approximately 30% of sex workers in Morocco, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa
Sex tourism in Morocco is a concern, particularly around tourist hotspots like Marrakech, with estimates suggesting up to 15% of foreign tourists might engage in illicit sex acts
There are reports indicating that HIV prevalence among sex workers in Morocco is approximately 3-5%, higher than the general population
A 2017 UNAIDS report highlighted that condom use among sex workers in Morocco is around 60-70%, with efforts ongoing to increase safe sex practices
Female sex workers in Morocco often face social stigma, which limits their access to healthcare and legal protection, according to a 2019 study
Data from the Moroccan Ministry of Health indicates that approximately 70% of sex workers do not regularly access health services due to discrimination and fear of arrest
NGOs estimate that about 40% of sex workers in Morocco are under age 18, highlighting issues of youth exploitation

Despite its official criminalization, Morocco remains a clandestine hub of sex work where over 90% operates illegally, with vulnerable populations such as migrant women and minors facing violence, health risks, and societal stigma amid a complex legal and social landscape.

HIV/AIDS and Health Risks

There are reports indicating that HIV prevalence among sex workers in Morocco is approximately 3-5%, higher than the general population
A 2017 UNAIDS report highlighted that condom use among sex workers in Morocco is around 60-70%, with efforts ongoing to increase safe sex practices
Data from the Moroccan Ministry of Health indicates that approximately 70% of sex workers do not regularly access health services due to discrimination and fear of arrest
In urban centers, drug use among sex workers is reported to be around 35%, often used to cope with the trade’s harsh realities
There are fewer than 50 specialized clinics providing services specifically for sex workers in Morocco, leading to limited access to essential healthcare
A survey revealed that over 85% of sex workers in Morocco have no formal identification documents, hindering their access to legal protections
The percentage of Moroccan sex workers who have access to condom distribution programs is estimated at around 50-60%, with room for improvement
Research indicates that nearly 70% of sex workers in Morocco are reported to have experienced discrimination from healthcare providers, deterring them from seeking medical help
Efforts to implement harm reduction programs targeting sex workers are ongoing but reach less than 30% of the population involved in sex work in Morocco, limiting impact

HIV/AIDS and Health Risks Interpretation

Morocco’s sex work crisis underscores a perilous paradox: despite a relatively high condom usage of 60-70%, HIV prevalence remains elevated at 3-5%, compounded by pervasive stigma, scant healthcare access, and limited harm reduction programs that leave most vulnerable—over 85% unregistered and under protected—struggling in silence beneath a veneer of cautious progress.

Human Trafficking and Violence

A survey from 2016 found that approximately 60% of Moroccan sex workers have experienced violence or coercion, frequently involving clients and police
Gender-based violence surveys reveal that up to 50% of sex workers in Morocco have experienced physical or sexual violence from clients or authorities
A report from 2018 states that nearly 25% of sex workers in Morocco have been forced or coerced into sex work, often through traffickers
A study from 2019 indicates that about 20% of sex workers in Morocco are involved in concurrent drug trafficking or other illicit activities, complicating intervention efforts
According to UNODC estimates, Morocco is considered a transit country for trafficking victims, including those forced into sex work, with an unknown number transiting annually
Female sex workers in Morocco have reported an increase in violence, with 40% experiencing hostility from law enforcement since 2017, according to advocacy groups
The use of violence as intimidation among clients or traffickers affects nearly 50% of sex workers in Morocco, impacting their health and safety
There have been investigations into human trafficking networks in Morocco, but comprehensive data remains unavailable due to covert operations and lack of reporting
The most common coercive tactics used against sex workers involve threats of violence and police detention, reported by more than half of victims surveyed
Police reports indicate that about 20-25% of arrested sex workers in Morocco are foreigners, mainly sub-Saharan African women, highlighting international trafficking issues
The annual reported cases of sex trafficking in Morocco are estimated to be in the hundreds, but actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to underreporting

Human Trafficking and Violence Interpretation

Morocco’s sex work landscape, marred by a staggering prevalence of violence, coercion, and trafficking—exacerbated by systemic vulnerabilities—underscores a pressing need for comprehensive interventions that address both the safety of sex workers and the shadowy networks fueling illicit exploitation.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

In some urban areas like Casablanca and Marrakech, neighborhoods known for sex work activity have reported increased police crackdowns
The legal status of prostitution in Morocco is complex; it is officially criminalized but still widely practiced clandestinely
NGOs report that enforcement actions often lead to the detention of sex workers without due process, with up to 90% of arrests resulting in detention rather than prosecution

Legal and Policy Frameworks Interpretation

Amid Morocco's paradoxical stance—where prostitution is clandestine but heavily policed—urban crackdown efforts shift the shadow economy into detention centers, illustrating a complex battle between legality and survival.

Prevalence and Demographics of Sex Work

There is limited reliable data on the exact number of sex workers in Morocco due to the clandestine nature of prostitution
According to a 2018 report, approximately 1-2% of Moroccan women are estimated to have engaged in sex work at some point in their lives
A 2019 survey indicated that around 65% of sex workers in Morocco are aged between 20 and 35 years old
Studies suggest that illegal prostitution constitutes over 90% of sex work in Morocco
A report from 2020 identified that migrant women make up approximately 30% of sex workers in Morocco, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa
Sex tourism in Morocco is a concern, particularly around tourist hotspots like Marrakech, with estimates suggesting up to 15% of foreign tourists might engage in illicit sex acts
NGOs estimate that about 40% of sex workers in Morocco are under age 18, highlighting issues of youth exploitation
The employment of sex workers in Morocco is often linked to economic hardship, with over 80% reporting poverty as a primary reason for entering prostitution
According to a 2020 report, the majority of sex workers in Morocco operate in clandestine settings, making accurate estimation difficult
The average age of entry into sex work in Morocco is estimated to be approximately 17-19 years old, according to NGO reports
Alternative livelihoods initiatives have reached fewer than 10% of sex workers in Morocco, indicating limited success in reducing clandestine practices
The use of digital platforms and social media by sex workers in Morocco has increased by approximately 15% from 2019 to 2022, facilitating clandestine arrangements
The proportion of transgender women involved in sex work in Morocco is approximately 15-20%, facing heightened vulnerabilities
There are indications that internal displacement and migration within Morocco have led to an increase in vulnerable populations engaging in sex work, estimated at 10-12%
The median monthly income for sex workers in Morocco is approximately 1500 MAD (around $160 USD), influenced by location, client type, and legal risks
Some studies suggest that approximately 10-15% of Moroccan sex workers operate independently, without intermediary agencies or pimps, seeking to minimize risks
Research shows that young women under 25 are increasingly entering sex work in Morocco, comprising about 30-35% of sex workers in urban areas

Prevalence and Demographics of Sex Work Interpretation

While precise figures remain elusive due to the clandestine nature of the trade, it is clear that Morocco's sex industry is largely an underground economy driven by economic hardship, youth vulnerability, and migratory displacement—making its decriminalization and regulation as urgent as it is complex.

Social and Cultural Contexts

Female sex workers in Morocco often face social stigma, which limits their access to healthcare and legal protection, according to a 2019 study
The Moroccan government has periodically conducted raids, arresting large groups of sex workers, but many reports indicate a lack of alternative livelihoods afterward
Studies suggest that Moroccan society's conservative attitudes contribute to the clandestine nature of sex work, affecting data collection
Female sex workers in Morocco often face legal harassment, with police often demanding bribes or threatening arrest, according to human rights reports
The economic impact of sex work in Morocco's urban economies is estimated to contribute less than 1% to the national GDP but significantly affects local communities
Efforts to decriminalize sex work in Morocco face significant societal and political resistance, with approximately 65% of the population opposing legalization, survey data from 2020 indicates
Serious mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, have been reported by over 60% of Moroccan sex workers, often linked to social stigma and violence

Social and Cultural Contexts Interpretation

In a society where the clandestine economy of female sex work barely registers on GDP, yet casts a long shadow over the mental health and legal safety of those involved, Morocco’s persistent stigma and resistance to decriminalization reveal a deeper struggle between social conservatism and human rights.