Latest news with #Baitas
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Records Over 67,000 Moroccans' Arrivals Daily as Part of Marhaba 2025
Rabat – Morocco records more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily as part of the 2025 Marhaba operation, an initiative facilitating the transit of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) during the summer season. July 14 recorded the highest number of arrivals of Moroccans residing abroad, according to government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday, noting that past and current weeks recorded more than 67,000 MREs arrivals on a daily basis. This upward trend is expected to continue through this and the following weeks, stressing that the maritime plan has been strengthened with the deployment of 29 ships operated by seven maritime companies across 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with those in Spain, France, and Italy. The routes offer a total capacity of 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles, marking a 3% increase compared to last year. Air travel also expanded to reach 500,000 passengers per week, Baitas said, noting that 59 airlines have been authorized to operate around 2,135 weekly flights connecting Moroccan airports with 141 international destinations. Baitas reported MAD 530 million investment to improve passenger reception facilities at ports of Tanger Med, Nador, Al Hoceima, and Tangier, noting that the medical coverage spans approximately 3,578 kilometers across major roadways. The Marahaba operation kicked off on June 10 and will continue until September, with 26 welcome sites operating across the country and key European countries. Tags: MarhabaMarhaba operation
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco Grants Housing Aid to Over 55,000 Beneficiaries
More than 55,500 people have benefited from Morocco's national housing assistance program as of July 9, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday. The program had recorded 55,512 beneficiaries, 47% of whom are women, Baitas said at a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting, adding that the majority – 76.3% – are residents in Morocco, while 23.7% are Moroccans living abroad. Fez tops the list of cities with the most beneficiaries, followed by Berrechid, Meknes, Kenitra, Casablanca, El Jadida, Benslimane, Settat, Oujda, and Berkane. The number of applicants has reached 177,344 across Morocco's 12 regions, with 37% under the age of 35 and an average applicant age of 41, Baitas said. About 62% of applications concern homes priced between 300,000 and 700,000 dirhams, while the remaining 38% are for homes costing less than 300,000 dirhams. The housing support program, launched for the 2024–2028 period, offers direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. Eligible buyers receive 100,000 dirhams for homes priced under 300,000 dirhams, and 70,000 dirhams for homes priced between 300,000 and 700,000 dirhams, taxes included. MAP: 10 July 2025
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco to Establish Foundation for 2030 World Cup Preparations
Morocco's Government Council on Thursday approved a bill to establish the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation,' a new body tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is co-hosting. Bill No. 35.25, presented by Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, forms part of the implementation of directives issued by HM King Mohammed VI during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the Foundation will coordinate and monitor development projects linked to the 2030 World Cup and ensure Morocco meets its commitments under the tournament's specifications. Baitas added that the initiative aligns with HM the King's vision of sport as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development, as well as a driver of youth integration and territorial development. He noted that hosting the 2030 World Cup—alongside other major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—reinforces Morocco's status as a hub for international events and a meeting point of civilizations. The Morocco 2030 Foundation will adopt a participatory approach involving government bodies, public institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the Moroccan diaspora, and the broader football community, including African partners, Baitas said. MAP: 10 July 2025
Morocco World
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Approves New Laws to Strengthen Professional Journalism
Rabat — The Moroccan government has approved two important draft laws today aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing professional journalism. Following the weekly cabinet meeting on Thursday, Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson and delegate minister responsible for parliamentary relations, explained that these legislative updates seek to modernize the regulation of journalism in Morocco while keeping pace with the evolving media landscape. The first draft law, Bill No. 27.25, amends and supplements the existing Law No. 89.13 concerning the professional status of journalists. Presented by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the bill aligns with constitutional provisions safeguarding freedom of expression and the press. It also respects Morocco's international commitments on human rights and protects the professional and social rights of journalists. Baitas emphasized that this reform addresses the profound changes within the media sector, ensuring the legal framework remains relevant and effective. It aims to uphold press freedom while maintaining compliance with legal boundaries and professional ethics. The second draft law, Bill No. 26.25, focuses on reorganizing the National Press Council (Conseil National de la Presse). Also presented by Minister Bensaid, this law strengthens the council's alignment with constitutional articles 25, 27, and 28, which guarantee freedom of expression and support the self-regulation of journalism and publishing. Baitas highlighted that this legislative reform builds on the recommendations of a special committee established under Law No. 15.23 to oversee the press and publishing sector. Its goal is to ensure the council's ongoing role in self-regulating the profession, promoting journalistic ethics, and safeguarding the sector through democratic and independent mechanisms. Furthermore, the draft law seeks to consolidate the achievements of Law No. 90.13, enacted in 2016, which affirmed the council's independent, professional character and its core responsibilities, especially its regulatory authority over press and publishing. Minister Bensaid also noted Morocco's progress in media pluralism and freedom of expression over the past two decades. Earlier this year, he cited the growth of the Moroccan media landscape, which now includes 988 online platforms, 275 newspapers, and 106 international journalists operating in the country. He described these developments as evidence of Morocco's democratic advancement. 'The press in Morocco alternates between supporting and criticizing the government, which reflects the progress we have made in democracy over the past twenty years,' the minister insisted. Tags: freedom of journalismFreedom of speechgovernment council
Maroc
06-06-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco to Boost Maritime Transport Capacity for Summer Rush with 520 Weekly Crossings
Morocco will reinforce its maritime transport services with 520 weekly crossings between the country and Southern Europe as part of the 'Marhaba 2025' summer transit operation, a government spokesperson said on Thursday. The enhanced maritime offering aims to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the summer period, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas, pointed out at a press briefing following the weekly Cabinet meeting. Under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, the operation will support the transit of up to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles each week, Baitas said. A total of 29 vessels operated by seven shipping companies will provide 12 maritime routes connecting Moroccan ports with those in Spain, France and Italy, he added. The government has also stepped up support measures, including reinforced border control systems, 24 reception centers—18 in Morocco and six abroad—and the deployment of medical teams along key roads and rest stops. Consular services will operate on weekends and public holidays between June 15 and September 15 to assist with the operation, Baitas said. (MAP: 05 June 2025)
