Family migration patterns of Moroccans living in Spain

Dolores Lopez, Universidad de Navarra

With the turn of the Century Spain has become one of the principal destinations of migration in Europe, and the intensification of the process of globalization in the world explains the diversity of backgrounds. Within this context, Spain has evolved to hold a prominent role as a destination of choice for the Moroccan migrant population, partly replacing the countries of Central Europe. This paper, first identifies the key features of Moroccan migrant population living in Spain. Some characteristics of this population are a high rate of masculinity, youthfulness at their time arrival in Spain and, low levels of education. The second part of this study analyzes family migration patterns typical of this population: high rates of celibacy upon arrival in Spain; a marriage market sharply transnational; the importance of marriage between cousins; the important processes of family reunification, - especially for women and children; or, the migration of women alone or with children associated with divorce, among others. The third part of this study focuses on the diaspora of the Moroccan family by locating where they live, not only their immediate family but also their extended family. The study also takes into account migration to other countries of relatives that have returned to Morocco. This reconstruction of the family network, on the basis of their geographical location, also takes into account the emigration of the family members born in Spain. The resources used in this study are three: the municipal register of inhabitants, the National Immigrant Survey (2007) and the Moroccan Ethnosurvey of Family, Migration and Labor that is currently in the field (2013).