Moroccan immigration in the Mediterranean region: Reflections in Ben Jelloun's literary works

Like an inexhaustible fountain, the emigration of Moroccan citizens to Europe, mainly to France, has steadily gathered momentum since the end of French-Spanish colonial rule over Morocco and its subsequent independence in 1956. This phenomenon has reached such a high proportion as to become a central issue not only for the Moroccan state and society, but also for the European countries situated on the Mediterranean coasts, 'hosting' the millions of Moroccan (and other) immigrants. This massive migratory movement has considerably affected almost every facet of Moroccan life both within the country and abroad, leaving a profound imprint on Moroccan literature. The most prominent Moroccan writer to have intensively discussed the various issues embodied in this phenomenon and its consequent inter- and intra-cultural effects is Tahar Ben Jelloun. This article sheds light on one of the weighty affairs and paramount concerns preoccupying the countries and societies of the Mediterranean region - Moroccan immigration to Europe. It discusses a broad cluster of issues affecting migration throughout the period of Morocco's modern history, including the last decade of the twentieth century.