Latest news with #Marhaba2025
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco Welcomes 1.5 Million Diaspora Returns
Rabat — Morocco welcomed over 1.5 million diaspora members back home by July 10, marking a significant 13.30% increase compared to the same period last year. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita presented the figures of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) coming back to their country to the Government Council as part of his briefing on the 2025 Marhaba operation. Marhaba operation is Morocco's annual summer program that helps Moroccans living abroad return home for vacation. The numbers tell a compelling story of growing connections between Morocco and its diaspora. Along with the 1,520,951 Moroccan residents abroad (MREs) who returned, officials registered 151,411 vehicles crossing into the country — a 3.56% rise from 2024. The government has intensified its efforts to handle the influx, with the country now processing more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily during peak summer season, with July 14 recording the highest single-day numbers so far. Officials expect this upward trend to continue through the coming weeks as more families complete their summer journeys home. Over the last year, Morocco has significantly boosted its transportation infrastructure to meet growing demand. The maritime plan now includes 29 ships operated by seven different companies, running across 12 routes that connect Moroccan ports with destinations in Spain, France, and Italy. These expanded sea routes can now handle 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles — a 3% capacity increase from last year's operation. The Marhaba operation reflects Morocco's commitment to maintaining strong ties with its diaspora community, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy through remittances and investments. The program's success demonstrates the enduring bonds between Morocco and the millions of Moroccans who have built lives abroad while maintaining deep connections to their homeland. Tags: DiasporaMoroccan MREsOperation Marhaba 2025
Ya Biladi
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Consulate in Bordeaux brings services closer to Moroccans across southwestern France
After a series of community outreach efforts in Guéret, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Libourne, and Angoulême, the Consulate General of Morocco in Bordeaux wraps up this week with its final stop in Limoges (Haute-Vienne department) as part of the Marhaba 2025 operation. This initiative, spearheaded by the Moroccan consular team in Bordeaux, reflects a proactive approach rooted in a strong commitment to serve members of the Moroccan community living in departments far from the consulate's headquarters, while also fostering dialogue and connection, according to the consulate. At each stop, numerous services were provided with special attention to the quality of reception, guidance, and assistance, alongside the efficient handling of requests. In certain cases, such as for the elderly or people with reduced mobility, home visits were arranged at the request of their families. These efforts have been ongoing since the launch of the Marhaba operation, with a focus on accessibility and proximity to consular services, while also reinforcing the relationship between the Moroccan diaspora and national institutions. In a statement to MAP, the Consul General of Morocco in Bordeaux, Nouzha Sahel, stressed that «this is a continued mobilization of the Kingdom's consular services in Bordeaux». According to the consulate, the initiative has been warmly welcomed by Moroccan nationals across the district and was made possible through coordination with local partners, the dedication of community associations, and the support of volunteer compatriots who helped ensure smooth operations on the ground.
Ya Biladi
08-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Algeciras port workers announce strike during Marhaba 2025 Operation
Workers at the maritime guidance company (piloting services) at the Port of Algeciras are preparing to go on strike from July 20 to August 20, coinciding with the peak of the «Crossing the Strait» operation, Marhaba 2025. The action is expected to disrupt traffic at one of Spain's busiest and most strategic ports. The strike, involving both fleet and radio operators, will take place daily in three time slots: from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The decision follows the breakdown of negotiations aimed at improving working conditions. According to Spanish media reports, workers are demanding a reduced workload, adequate rest periods, additional staff, and an annual salary increase of 6.5% between 2025 and 2028 to offset rising living costs. The Port Workers Union, backing the strike committee, stated that all avenues for dialogue had been exhausted and criticized the company's unwillingness to engage on proposals related to work schedules and shift organization. The union also denounced the disparity in contract terms, while a four-year agreement was signed with radio operators, fleet workers were only offered a one-year deal, increasing their job insecurity. Authorities have been formally notified of the planned strike, and mediation has been requested from the Andalusian Labor Dispute Resolution Service (Sercla).
Ya Biladi
02-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : With 7 ships, AML ensures 28 daily departures for Moroccans abroad
«For Moroccans around the world, Africa Morocco Link (AML) is much more than just a crossing, it's the first step toward their homeland. The moment they board our ships, they're already in Morocco, welcomed with the warmth and hospitality our country is known for», proudly states Rachid Houari, General Director of the Moroccan maritime company. As part of the Marhaba 2025 operation, AML aims to reinforce this promise of hospitality by expanding its services to accommodate the massive wave of travel between Spain and Morocco. The company is planning 9,000 crossings, up from 8,000 in 2024, marking a 12.5% increase. In total, it expects to transport 1.2 million passengers, 250,000 vehicles, and 140,000 freight units across its two main routes: Tanger Med – Algeciras (approx. 1h30 crossing time) Tanger Ville – Tarifa (approx. 50-minute crossing) With an average of 28 daily departures and up to 36 during peak periods in late July and August, AML will cover nearly 30% of the total transport capacity across the Strait of Gibraltar. A Reinforced Fleet for the Summer To handle this summer's expected traffic, AML will mobilize a fleet of seven ships, including: Four mixed car-ferries (for passengers, vehicles, and trucks): - Stena Europe: 1,250 passengers, 300 vehicles, 62 trucks - Morocco Sun: 1,000 passengers, 200 cars, 40 trucks - AF Claudia: 900 passengers, 250 vehicles, 70 trucks - Morocco Star: 930 passengers, 200 vehicles, 45 trucks Two fast ferries (for passengers and cars only), serving the Tanger Ville–Tarifa route: - Morocco Express 1: 640 passengers, 50 vehicles - Maria Dolores: 600 passengers, 50 vehicles One freight ship: - Kaunas, dedicated to semi-trailers and operating in partnership with other companies (AML will handle two-thirds of the rotations). All ships will offer halal catering services. According to Commercial Director Abdelaali Essamghouni, efforts have been made to maintain high standards of comfort while preserving a distinctly Moroccan atmosphere on board. Human and Logistical Mobilization To meet customer expectations, AML will deploy nearly 500 staff throughout the Marhaba operation: reception agents, information officers, and boarding/disembarkation assistance teams. A dedicated after-sales support line will also be available for the duration of the summer season. Marhaba 2025 : AML mobilise 7 navires et assure 28 départs quotidiens pour faciliter le retour des MRE cet été. 9 000 traversées sont prévues sur l'année. ??? #Marhaba2025 #AML #MRE #Tanger #Maroc — (@yabiladi_fr) July 1, 2025 During a press briefing, Abdelaali Essamghouni emphasized a «rigorous» reorganization focused on three priorities: safety, punctuality, and quality of service. «We have overhauled our entire system to ensure a smooth experience for our passengers. This includes tailored pricing, optimized boarding, and onboard services that meet top international standards», he noted. AML, a Strategic National Player Africa Morocco Link, which is 57% owned by the Compagnie de Transport au Maroc (CTM) and 43% by Swedish group Stena Line, remains the only national maritime company currently operating on the Strait of Gibraltar. With this summer deployment, AML aims to further strengthen its strategic position in the region.
Ya Biladi
02-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : With 7 ships, AML ensures 28 daily departures for Moroccans abroad
«For Moroccans around the world, Africa Morocco Link (AML) is much more than just a crossing, it's the first step toward their homeland. The moment they board our ships, they're already in Morocco, welcomed with the warmth and hospitality our country is known for», proudly states Rachid Houari, General Director of the Moroccan maritime company. As part of the Marhaba 2025 operation, AML aims to reinforce this promise of hospitality by expanding its services to accommodate the massive wave of travel between Spain and Morocco. The company is planning 9,000 crossings, up from 8,000 in 2024, marking a 12.5% increase. In total, it expects to transport 1.2 million passengers, 250,000 vehicles, and 140,000 freight units across its two main routes: Tanger Med – Algeciras (approx. 1h30 crossing time) Tanger Ville – Tarifa (approx. 50-minute crossing) With an average of 28 daily departures and up to 36 during peak periods in late July and August, AML will cover nearly 30% of the total transport capacity across the Strait of Gibraltar. A Reinforced Fleet for the Summer To handle this summer's expected traffic, AML will mobilize a fleet of seven ships, including: Four mixed car-ferries (for passengers, vehicles, and trucks): - Stena Europe: 1,250 passengers, 300 vehicles, 62 trucks - Morocco Sun: 1,000 passengers, 200 cars, 40 trucks - AF Claudia: 900 passengers, 250 vehicles, 70 trucks - Morocco Star: 930 passengers, 200 vehicles, 45 trucks Two fast ferries (for passengers and cars only), serving the Tanger Ville–Tarifa route: - Morocco Express 1: 640 passengers, 50 vehicles - Maria Dolores: 600 passengers, 50 vehicles One freight ship: - Kaunas, dedicated to semi-trailers and operating in partnership with other companies (AML will handle two-thirds of the rotations). All ships will offer halal catering services. According to Commercial Director Abdelaali Essamghouni, efforts have been made to maintain high standards of comfort while preserving a distinctly Moroccan atmosphere on board. Human and Logistical Mobilization To meet customer expectations, AML will deploy nearly 500 staff throughout the Marhaba operation: reception agents, information officers, and boarding/disembarkation assistance teams. A dedicated after-sales support line will also be available for the duration of the summer season. Marhaba 2025 : AML mobilise 7 navires et assure 28 départs quotidiens pour faciliter le retour des MRE cet été. 9 000 traversées sont prévues sur l'année. ??? #Marhaba2025 #AML #MRE #Tanger #Maroc — (@yabiladi_fr) July 1, 2025 During a press briefing, Abdelaali Essamghouni emphasized a «rigorous» reorganization focused on three priorities: safety, punctuality, and quality of service. «We have overhauled our entire system to ensure a smooth experience for our passengers. This includes tailored pricing, optimized boarding, and onboard services that meet top international standards», he noted. AML, a Strategic National Player Africa Morocco Link, which is 57% owned by the Compagnie de Transport au Maroc (CTM) and 43% by Swedish group Stena Line, remains the only national maritime company currently operating on the Strait of Gibraltar. With this summer deployment, AML aims to further strengthen its strategic position in the region.
