Moroccans who have paid for health insurance in Belgium can now retire in Morocco enjoying their health coverage, funded by the Belgian social security.
A Belgian-Moroccan agreement was signed last year and came into force in recent days. Moroccans and Belgian-Moroccans who worked in Belgium, after returning to Morocco to finish their career or enjoy retirement can now continue to enjoy their health benefits.
Specifically, people who settle in Morocco are covered by compulsory health insurance (AMO). CNSS is then reimbursed by Belgian health insurance. It even pays a premium of 8% of the benefits transferred to it by the NSSF, in respect of fees.
All rights holders (not divorced spouse and dependent children) can benefit from coverage. If the person continues his career in Morocco but suffered a work accident, the NSSF must notify the Belgian administration.
310,000 Moroccans in Belgium concerned
This agreement is a win-win. Indeed, until now, some MRE in Belgium were reluctant to retire in Morocco because of the lack of social protection. This agreement should encourage them to return home, and so to spend and invest in Morocco.
On the other side, Belgium should also gain, since the Moroccan benefits even if redeemed, are less expensive than those offered in Belgium.
Currently, about 5,500 workers residing in Morocco are receiving pensions from the Belgian state, revealed the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Belgian public health. But according to the 2011 figures, there are about 311,000 Moroccans resident in Belgium: many potential MRE who will perhaps return to Morocco at the time of retirement.
With Telquel