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In recent days, social media posts have claimed that fees charged by adouls (traditional Moroccan notaries) have been raised to as much as 3,500 dirhams, sparking widespread controversy. However, the Regional Council of Adouls of the Rabat Court of Appeals has dismissed these claims as «baseless» and «mere rumors», suggesting they coincide with the ongoing national strike and aim to undermine the profession’s protest movement.
Speaking to Yabiladi, Youssef Aitlhou, president of the council, confirmed that official fees have remained unchanged since 2008 and do not exceed 900 dirhams, depending on the type of contract, whether related to sales, purchases, gifts, marriages, or inheritance.
«The information being circulated aims to distort the debate and create tension between notaries and citizens, while professionals are primarily defending citizens’ rights», he said.
Aitlhou linked the controversy to ongoing protests against Bill No. 16.22 regulating the adoul profession, which has been approved by the House of Representatives and is currently under review by the House of Councillors. He warned that the bill contains «dangerous provisions that infringe on citizens’ freedoms», adding that «if citizens were fully aware of its content, they would side with adouls».
Warnings over intermediaries exploiting the strike
Despite stable fees, Aitlhou noted that adouls «have the right to request increases» given rising operational costs, including drafting and copying contracts, court registration fees, VAT, digitization expenses in some regions, and additional services such as working outside office hours or traveling to clients.
He also acknowledged isolated cases of professionals violating the strike by «working discreetly and meeting clients», stressing that these cases are not linked to inflated fees but rather to breaching the strike, which he described as «unethical».
The council president further warned against the growing role of unauthorized intermediaries, who exploit citizens’ needs by acting as intermediaries and charging high fees. He urged citizens to report any abuses to the council or the public prosecutor.
Aitlhou called on the public to remain vigilant and not fall for misinformation, noting that the council issues advance notices of strikes to prevent exploitation.
He also announced an open-ended strike starting April 13, which could last a month or longer, alongside a protest in front of parliament, denouncing what he described as the government’s disregard for the profession’s demands.
Adouls had already staged a strike from February 18 to April 5, amid rising tensions over Bill No. 16.22, which professionals say imposes stricter procedures, complicates documentation processes, and could create difficulties in safeguarding rights while encouraging improper practices.
