Morocco and Spain Gear Up for Seamless 2024 Transit Operation

Tuesday 21 May 2024 - 16:05

As the summer season approaches, Morocco and Spain are leaving no stone unturned in their meticulous preparations for the highly anticipated 2024 Transit Operation. The joint Moroccan-Spanish Transit Commission convened in Tangier on Monday, co-chaired by Khalid Zerouali, Wali and Director of Migration and Border Surveillance, and Susana Crisostomo, Spanish Undersecretary of State for the Interior.

The discussions centered around the operational measures put in place by both nations to ensure the utmost fluidity, security, and safety during the 2024 Transit Operation. Additionally, provisions for assistance, proximity, and communication initiatives were meticulously reviewed.

Morocco's national strategy harmonizes all sectoral interventions, with the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity playing a pivotal role. The Foundation will deploy a vast social assistance mechanism, mobilizing specialized teams and significant resources at both national and international levels.

The comprehensive plan encompasses a coordinated fleet arrangement, integrating 29 vessels and 7 maritime operators servicing 11 sea lines, offering a combined capacity of over 7 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 8,000 rotations. Furthermore, substantial investments have been made to upgrade port infrastructures in Tangier Med, Tangier city, Nador, and Al Hoceima, enhancing passenger comfort and facilitation through shaded rest areas, walkways, display systems, signage, and dredging of car-ferry berths.

The plan underscores the mobilization of local authorities, with the establishment of dedicated cells in provinces and prefectures, reinforcement of security personnel, and the engagement of Moroccan consular representations in Spain, ensuring daily presence, including weekends and holidays.

Comprehensive measures have been implemented in the maritime and road transport sectors, encompassing technical inspections of vessels and the mobilization of land transport inspectors.

To accompany this operation, a multimedia communication strategy targeting Moroccan residents abroad has been developed, particularly to disseminate practical information through the Marhaba website set up by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.

The Spanish operational framework includes reinforcing port processing capacity, mobilizing security forces and port police, assistance from the Red Cross, as well as establishing coordination centers and rest and information zones.

Both parties have agreed to strengthen coordination between focal points to ensure smooth information flow and anticipate aspects related to managing peak days, ticket interchangeability, and combating price speculation for maritime crossings.

With meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and a shared commitment to ensuring a safe and efficient journey, Morocco and Spain are poised to deliver a remarkable Transit Operation experience in 2024, facilitating the seamless movement of millions of travelers between the two nations.