Rabat – A new draft law regulating the profession of adoul (Islamic notary) in Morocco has sparked strong protests within the profession, leading to a planned nationwide strike on February 18 and 19.
The controversy centers on Bill 16.22, which aims to reorganize the profession nearly two decades after Law 16.03 governing the justice plan came into force. However, the National Authority of Adoul says the version approved by the government does not reflect the conclusions of earlier discussions with the Ministry of Justice and does not meet their expectations.
Abderrazak Bouita, Secretary-General of the Moroccan Association of Adoul, told SNRT News the current version of the law does not match the important role adoul play in securing transactions and protecting rights. He described the strike as a “warning step” after what he called a lack of response to proposals submitted during the legislative process.
One major concern is the removal of the term “judicial documentation” from the draft, replacing it with “profession of adoul.” Professionals argue that this change reduces the recognition of their role within Morocco’s documentation system.
Adouls in Morocco are public legal professionals who draft and authenticate official documents under Islamic law. They mainly work in areas such as marriage contracts, divorce documentation, inheritance documents, property transactions, and other civil and family agreements.
The draft law has also raised objections over Article 107, which allows the Prosecutor General, with permission from the Minister of Justice, to temporarily suspend an adoul for up to three months in cases of professional misconduct. Article 118, which addresses suspension as a disciplinary punishment, has also been criticized for creating what adouls describe as a “presumption of guilt.”
Other contested points include increased oversight of adoul offices, a requirement for 12 witnesses in certain cases, and the lack of explicit recognition of women’s testimony. The draft also raises the seniority requirement for leadership positions within the profession, which some believe could limit women’s access to top roles.
Another major issue is the removal of the “right of deposit,” which would have allowed adoul to officially deposit and register documents to give them legal value. Professionals argue that this tool is essential for modernizing the profession and improving services to citizens.
Nadia Cherkaoui, head of the National Association of Women Adoul, told SNRT News the law fails to provide sufficient professional security and does not support the profession’s adaptation to economic and digital reforms.
The National Authority of Adoul insists that the strike is not meant to harm citizens but to call for serious institutional dialogue and a revised draft that ensures fairness, equality, and legal security for all.