Marhaba 2025: Morocco and Spain Prepare for Summer Operation

Wednesday 07 May 2025 - 11:34

By: Zahouani Ilham

Marhaba 2025: Morocco and Spain Prepare for Summer Operation

Morocco and Spain are gearing up for the 2025 edition of the Marhaba Operation, which facilitates the return of Moroccan expatriates to the country during the summer.

To ensure the success of this operation, a high-level meeting between Moroccan and Spanish representatives will take place on May 6-7 in Tangier. The discussions will focus on logistics coordination, security measures, and organizational arrangements necessary for the smooth and safe movement of millions of passengers and vehicles through major ports connecting Europe to Africa. Both nations will explore ways to prevent traffic congestion, enhance service efficiency, and improve security for all users. Additionally, operational agreements will be signed to ensure the success of the operation.

The ports involved include Algeciras, Tarifa, and Ceuta on the Spanish side, as well as Tangier City and Tangier Med in Morocco. Both countries anticipate an increase in sea crossings and passenger numbers, with a 4% rise in arrivals expected. There will be significant changes in the participating transport companies, as well as efforts to address challenges and issues observed over the past two years.

Last year, Morocco chartered 29 ships operated by seven companies across various routes linking Moroccan ports to Spain, France, and Italy, aiming to guarantee more than 535 weekly crossings with a maximum capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 cars each week. These efforts proved successful, with over 3 million passengers, including 70% Moroccan expatriates, and 705,000 cars passing through Moroccan ports between June 5 and September 15, representing a 6% increase in passengers and a 10% rise in vehicles compared to 2023.