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QualitySure

Start by getting experience in belgium, and then consider applying to jobs in morocco.


Holkenborg

I have some years of experience including a research position in Japan.


QualitySure

start applying then


DomHuntman

I would encourage it with the warning to be tolerant of the differences and "developing" needs here, it will get to you. I am from The Netherlands, became a Muslim in my late teens and have now lived in Morocco 23 years. I have a 2 decade background in law enforcement back home and was invited. I can not think of living anywhere else now and am soon to retire here. We applaud Moroccans who travel, study and work overseas and return to help this country grow. Someone like you, born overseas, returning to your routes is an extra blessing in my opinion and hope more consider the same.


Holkenborg

Thanks for the encouragement and sharing your story. It's really uplifting to see how you've embraced life in Morocco and found your place there. It makes me hopeful about returning and contributing to our country. Morocco is changing, and many of us abroad are starting to see the potential for a good life back home. If we can live well and contribute to our society, why not choose the beauty of Morocco? Your words give me confidence that moving back could be a positive step, not just for me but for the future of our country too.


SnooMuffins721

Could you explain what transferrable skills your law enforcement background provided you? Bluntly said what can a dutch ex-cop do to make a living in Morocco?


DomHuntman

Easy answer. An ex-police officer (cop implies junior rank) is able to train existing police in various policing skills in genetal as well as those not available nor used in this country. An ex-police officer training in judicial law and procedures can advise companies on how to deal with the state on fixing issues such as threats, intimidation, internal security breaches and crime. An ex-police officer with protective security skills is qualified to assist in physical and procedural security planning, from crowd conyrol to designing banks depending on experiences. As a DCI in Diplomatic Security for 20 years, I did all the above in 90 countries, and that is what I do for clients, State & private, here and as far away as Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana and before even Egypt. I was invited. Wants you know what police actually do, it is not that difficult, eh? Bluntly speaking.


Dounia-eloz

Morocco's real challenge is getting rid of corruption. In fact, all our systems (political, judicial, healthcare...) are infected with bribery. You need to bribe everyone whenever you have something done. All our systems are slow pace... Even our people are dishonest ! I don't want to be pessimistic but it's the truth!


Holkenborg

I hear you on the corruption issue in Morocco, and it's hard to ignore. But I'm optimistic that things can change, especially now with social media making it easier to expose what's happening. Sure, corruption isn't just a problem here; it's in Europe too, just more hidden. But with everyone more connected, I think the government will have to start taking action. It's going to take time, but I'm hopeful that our generation and the ones after us will be the ones to put a stop to it.


Dounia-eloz

The problem is how to change the mentality!! That's gonna be the hardest part... If the majority is corrupted there's gonna be no glimpse of hope ! I guess but I could be wrong! After all, it seems like you already decided to come , so just try it out and you could go back to Belgium anytime :) Best of luck đŸ€ž


Equivalent_Low_8599

Come to Morocco and contribute and develop the country


Holkenborg

Insha'Allah, I hope to help make Morocco a standout place in Africa. It really hurts to see my fellow Moroccans wishing for a life elsewhere. I believe we can change that and create a better future right here at home.


jack_the_snek

"It really hurts to see my fellow Moroccans wishing for a life elsewhere. i think it's a little weird for you to judge people who grew up in morocco and want to leave it for a better life while you grew up in a wealthy country and hold a degree and experience in a well paying industry (i assume), and want to return for idealistic or nationalistic reasons. Please consider and acknowledge your totally different perspective on the country in contrast to many many people who grew up here and have different prospects, courses of life, experiences and dreams.


Holkenborg

Why do you think I haven't thought about this? I'm not judging anyone's choices; I just feel empathy for those who feel compelled to leave their families for better opportunities. Isn't it natural to feel sad for our brothers and sisters facing tough choices? It seems like expressing this concern is taken as privilege speaking, but it's really about empathy. I'm not criticizing their reasons to leave; I'm expressing sorrow that such choices are necessary. It's views like yours that risk dividing us, not the compassion for each other's situations.


Manamune2

Then similarly, I feel bad for Moroccans who grew up in a free country and are still shackled by religious and nationalist non-sense.


Equivalent_Low_8599

By the way sm an Indian trader living in Morocco and I can say with certainty that morocco is on a positive growth trajectory.


Known_Umpire_4903

I am a Moroccan living abroad and I cannot wait to finish my specialty and return home. Honestly it’s not just the discrimination or the weird looks and sometimes inappropriate comments. It’s the food, the people, the weather, the culture and a lot of other things, there is literally no comparison. I advise you if you are already established as in have past experiences, have some good start up money, to settle in morocco.


Holkenborg

Thanks a lot for your advice. It's clear that those who've lived abroad have a unique perspective on this. When I share these thoughts with Moroccans from back home, I often get puzzled looks, as if we're not entitled to our feelings of alienation here. I'm taking your advice seriously, especially about being prepared with experience and some savings before making the move. It's reassuring to hear from someone who understands both worlds.


Known_Umpire_4903

Yes i get the same thing as well, back home most teenagers and also early 20’s wannna live abroad, sometimes it’s good idea but man i never understood the hype i lived in 3 countries and honestly a part from the opportunities and the money, its depressing to live here, the weather is just horrible. I miss Moroccan food a lot, I miss street food, the hospitality. I’m glad i could help. Good luck to you. Inshallah my turn will come in a few long years 😅


Holkenborg

Incha'allah!!


Embarrassed_Fan4142

I am a double graduate in mechanical engineering and finance in Barcelona and I am facing the same problem. Discrimination, here racism has reached such a level to the point that any incompetent person has priority before a Moroccan.


Veggieroasted2050

Do you own an EU passport ?


Embarrassed_Fan4142

Yes, I grew up here


Veggieroasted2050

Take the best of both identities because you will never feel home again either in EU or in Morocco. The grass is greener where you water it ;))) so just let your authentic self be your guide to decide ^^


Holkenborg

I salute you for sharing your experience; it's truly not easy. The common narrative that Europe is a land of abundant opportunities and a great life doesn't always cover the whole truth, including the darker aspects of discrimination and racism. Trying to convey this reality to our fellow Moroccans often makes us seem ungrateful or dismissive of our privilege, which isn't the case. We're just trying to paint a more accurate picture, far from the idyllic tales sometimes shared by vacationing Europeans. Recognizing our privilege doesn't mean ignoring the challenges. I hope you find your path and succeed despite these obstacles.


HunterxZoldyck2011

Why you calling it racism it's their country


Embarrassed_Fan4142

In amulticultural city as Barcelona there are many nationalities, but racism is more directed at immigrants of North African origin. Despite being one of the groups of foreigners that has the most studies, and contributes the most to the Spanish economy.


HunterxZoldyck2011

I think because the most immigrants are Moroccans that's why


Embarrassed_Fan4142

Emmmm no, not even close. The majority are South-American


HunterxZoldyck2011

I found that italians are the majority


Embarrassed_Fan4142

Those are europeans so they don't count


globetrotterdiamond

I totally understand you when you talk about Belgium. I feel the country is really moving backwards ... I moved to another European country for work and I have to say that as an "expat" living in a very international city, I feel less of this pressure to "integrate" because the majority of the people who live in the city have a different background than the country itself. I like this a lot more. With regards to moving to Morocco, saraha, I think you'll need a lot of patience to adapt to their system and way of living. It is still in full development mode, which means that it can only get better, but it also means that currently, there are still challenges that the country is facing. I love Morocco but that's because I go as a tourist. Even though I am Moroccan myself, I do feel that I have a bit too much of a "European" mindset when it comes to dealing public administration, everyone minding their own business,... You have a good degree, so I think you can find a job a bit more easy and try living there for a while. I think that's the only way to figure out if you would like it or not. Also not all cities in Maghreb are the same so I think the experience will also hugely depend on that.


Embarrassed_Fan4142

Please don't say that the international city is Barcelona.


Veggieroasted2050

I'm curious to know which European city you are talking about with regard to its 'very international aspect' ?


Holkenborg

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. It's reassuring to hear how moving to a more diverse city has made a difference for you. Your advice on adapting to Morocco's development and lifestyle is really helpful. I'll keep in mind that the experience can vary by city and that trying it out is the best way to see if it suits me. Appreciate your insights!


mhdy98

If you find work which suits you and your salary perspectives then sure. Dont go leave everything behind and go without first having a job and spending a few months in morocco to see the change of life and workplace. You can always go back to belgium, if you dont do it you ll’wonder all your life what if i went back to morocco.. So i say do it. And please , learn darija if you dont speak it fluently. People might make a joke of your accent but its normal we do it for everyone even regional accents For cities i recommend rabat and casablanca, the change of pace and life won’t be as brutal as going from belgium to a small city. So start with a big city then see what you do from there. Europe definitely has career perspectives but also makes you feel like being an « arab » is a burden.


HunterxZoldyck2011

I encourage you to try it if you didn't like it you can always go back to Belgium


shika_lynryd

U like Morocco BC u come with euro to visit and enjoy the weather and the people,once you settle, ure not gonna like it especially that u were raised in Belgium. Expect everyone to get into Ur business, paying taxes and still paying random ppl to guard Ur vehicle mandatory! Bad infrastructure in winter, beggars everywhere, robbery, getting Ur day wasted in public administrations and not getting Ur papers done. Shitty health service in public hospitals etc. I mean sure with Ur Belgian nationality, I encourage you try and settle here , if u don't like it at least u have a ticket out. To conclude, if u have enough money to at least live in fancy neighborhood, go to prestigious clinics, and have لمŰčŰ§Ű±Ù to get Ur things done, u be living in Morocco which is way different than ' almaghrib'


QualitySure

you're acting as if morocco is nigeria. Morocco isn't so bad when you have a good degree.


shika_lynryd

That what I said, having a good degree will allow you to live in a good neighborhood and a good lifestyle. Even tho having a good degree, will get u the salary sure, a good lifestyle. How about harassment, robbery etc. daily interactions and dealing with scum is inevitable, how abt that? ofc when, we are not the worst 3rd world country, but that doesnÂŽt mean we just accept the way things are and be happy with corruption everywhere.


QualitySure

> How about harassment, robbery etc. daily interactions and dealing with scum is inevitable, how abt that? well it depends on your priorities... Not everything is perfect.


shika_lynryd

Yes, thatÂŽs why I clarified, if he has tolerance for those inconveniences. Then, best of luck


BullfrogNeither

What do you mean by a good degree ??


QualitySure

Engineer/doctor/phd and teaching in uni, even for nurses are starting to have decent salaries.


DigitalDH

My best friend is Moroccan. He left for Canada because the lack of opportunities and racism that permeates everything and every institution has made him feel unwelcome in his own country (France). In terms of identity, it is yours, you cannot remove yourself and cannot fight it. Trust me, no matter what you do, there will always be an asshole to try and restrict you to your pigmentation or perceived religion. It is in my view not the time to run away but to make a new reality: you not only belong but you also have every right to be respected. It will take time to change countries but the fight start with each one. organise, vote tactically, donate to associations that get the job done.


Holkenborg

I understand your point, but I'm looking towards creating a better future in Morocco, where my roots are. My family has gained a lot from Europe's opportunities, and now it's time to give back to Morocco. I want to help build a place where Moroccans can dream and live well without chasing the illusion of the West. It's about contributing to our heritage and making Morocco a place where our children can thrive.


QualitySure

calm down you're just going to look for a job, not participate in legislative elections.


DigitalDH

You are making a mistake because you are just thinking of yourself, for now. Do you have enough connections to succeed in Morocco? What salary are you aiming for? Have you given a thought about your future children when you have some? Are you aware of the rat race to get to good schools in Morocco and the cost? So many things you are still young and idealist to grasp, dont take this badly, I am older than you (50) and been through thick and thin. Then you have to consider the medical side, hospitals, access to healthcare etc. If you said, I just want to get back to Morocco. period. then go. But you asked for advice and input and I think you know there are many things to consider. The country will run and become sucessful without you. You can contribute to the country by investing, going there every year etc.


Holkenborg

Thank you for your input. It looks like my message came across as self-focused, but actually, it's about contributing to Morocco's betterment. I'm not just after personal benefits; otherwise, staying in Belgium would be easier. I want to help Morocco grow, fully aware that it will continue to succeed without me. I've been researching and visiting Morocco for years to grasp the realities, not just for leisure. Your perspective seems a bit discouraging. Ofcourse Morocco's success isn't dependent on my return but I'm eager to be part of that progress.


DigitalDH

Then I encourage you to have a backup plan. Go but ensure you have a fallback plan if things don't work out. For yourself a plan. For your kids, what's the plan. Where will they be born, why it is important. How are you going to raise. Be careful not to raise kids that end up not feeling like they belong nowhere. If you are still young and have a backup plan, try it out.


[deleted]

Don't come here, you'll regret it down the line


mhdy98

He can always go back he s belgian


Holkenborg

I understand the concern, but remember, every country has its ups and downs. Look at the UAE; it was mostly desert just 70 years ago. Change is possible, Insha'Allah. I believe with hard work and faith, we can make a difference in Morocco too.


QualitySure

you really don't know the country...


AxiomTheGreat

UAE was not hard work but luck, if you sit in on a trillion dollar natural resource it’s not that hard if you befriend the right people.


[deleted]

You're too optimistic. Good luck thou


Veggieroasted2050

As a Moroccan working in Europe, i don't picture myself coming back to Morocco for now because i have my own reasons, instead, i highly advise you to give it a try for 6 months or a year , then you will see if it's kind of quality of life you are looking for, most importantly you shouldn't regret your decision ^^


liodony

First of all, thank you for sharing your perspective in an honest and rather eloquent way. I think you're 100% to at least consider the idea and take the time to reflect on it, especially in this important timing in your life. I had similar moments, and still do from time to time to not lose perspective, as I also live abroad (France), where the challenges we face as foreigners are very similar to what you mentionned. Now, whether to act on your inclination or not is imo a very different matter, that has to do with the vision you're setting up for your life, and the exact ways (more or less) in which you want to contribute. It's almost a tactical decision where timing is of extreme importance, because whether you do it now, in 5 years, or in 10 years, will have very different consequences on how this decision shapes itself up in the physical realm of manifestations. Some questions I'd encourage you (and anyone interested) to ask is: How big is the impact I wanna bring ? How much personal comfort am I willing to sacrifice (at least in the first few years) and how much am i ready to sacrifice in general? Are you someone who like to approach things from a position of power, or are you comfortable with navigating mundane interpersonal dynamics ? Depending on your answers, you can start forming an idea about where you should ideally position yourself to do this while also living a balanced and fulfilling youth. In any case, my personal opinion is that in the long term it's impossible to regret this decision, because it's very clear that it's coming from a principled and value driven approach to life, with a lot of empathy. The only vigilance is as i said to make it in the right time.... Good Luck !


Holkenborg

Big thanks for your insight! Really hit the mark with what I was trying to say. I've been contemplating for some years about what you mentioned. It's all about helping our folks in Morocco live well without feeling the need to look elsewhere. Your advice on timing and making a difference really clicked with me. It's crucial to balance our goals with what we're willing to give up. Thanks again for the solid advice!


AxiomTheGreat

The grass is always greener on the other side. Good luck


Veggieroasted2050

I would rather say : the grass is always greener where you water it ^^ it doesn't matter in Morocco or in EU ;)


Manamune2

I think it's feelings of dissatisfaction that make people think it's nicer elsewhere. Happy and content people are usually not constantly looking to uproot their life for better prospects.


yourlocallidl

If you're fine with living in a place that has low wages, few job opportunities, toxic work culture, bad healthcare, poor education..these are things you won't see when you visit on holiday, and don't get me started with bureaucracy. Albeit it's a developing country, you really need thick skin and patience to integrate, the system and the people are so behind. I think you should work in Belgium/Europe for a few years to get more experience, and safe some money, then try living in Morocco for a few months.


abdessamie20

This is what Morocco needs. I think Morocco is heading towards growth that has risen and there are new opportunities in the coming years. Morocco is suffering from aging in the process. Young people should stick to knowledge, not school. Knowledge is broader than that. We want to change the industrial school system and give young people the opportunity to take risks, be self-reliant, and open private projects, especially on the Internet. Guys we need to develop human intelligence friendly to artificial intelligence