Latest news with #OperationMarhaba2025
Morocco World
10-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Spain Commends ‘Perfect Coordination' with Morocco in Record-Breaking Marhaba 2025
Rabat – Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska commended the smooth progress of Operation Marhaba 2025, praising the 'perfect coordination' with Morocco. This cooperation has ensured the success of this year's record-breaking operation to welcome Moroccan expatriates. 'None of this would be possible without the close collaboration and perfect coordination with our neighbor and partner, Morocco, with whom we maintain constant contact during preparations and throughout the operation,' Grande-Marlaska said during a visit to the southern coastal city of Tarifa to oversee the process. According to Spain's Interior Ministry, this year's operation is already setting records. In its first month, passenger traffic through Spanish ports rose 5.6%, and vehicles crossing the Strait of Gibraltar increased by 6.9% compared to 2024 figures, continuing a strong upward trend in recent years. Grande-Marlaska stressed the importance of the preparation and joint efforts with Morocco, calling the 2025 edition 'a new historic milestone' for cross-Mediterranean travel. During his visit, the minister also held meetings with Moroccan officials, including Driss Soussi, Morocco's consul general in Algeciras, and representatives of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, which plays a critical role in supporting Moroccan nationals during the summer migration period. Operation Marhaba, now in its 25th edition, is an annual initiative led by the Mohammed V Foundation to welcome the Moroccan diaspora traveling home for the summer. Launched this year on June 10, the operation features a larger and more comprehensive network than ever, with 26 reception sites in Morocco, Spain, France, and Italy. For the first time, two new welcome centers were opened at Laayoune and Dakhla airports, bringing the total number of Moroccan-based sites to 20, strategically located in key ports and airports to assist travelers. The 2025 operation is expected to handle an exceptional flow of around 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, representing a 4% increase compared to last year. On the instructions of King Mohammed VI, the foundation has activated its full support system across both sides of the Mediterranean, ensuring assistance and care for Moroccans returning home during the busy summer months. Tags: Marhaba 2025Operation Marhaba 2025spain morocco cooperation
Morocco World
03-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
La Méridionale Launches New Marseille-Tanger Med Ferry Service
Rabat — La Méridionale celebrated the first voyage of its newest vessel, the Massalia, at Tanger-Med port on July 2. Originally acquired and refurbished in early 2025 to serve the busy Marseille-Tanger Med route, the ship carries both freight and passengers, accommodating up to 1,200 travelers and nearly 500 vehicles. It features 2,370 linear meters of rolling freight space to meet growing demand for transportation between the Mediterranean shores. Modern amenities for comfortable travel The ferry company designed the Massalia for long, comfortable journeys across the Mediterranean, where passengers can enjoy several upgraded facilities. The ship's facilities include family cabins and optimized rest areas, a dormitory section with 38 beds, two movie theaters, a prayer room, and restaurant spaces. The ship also features modernized working conditions for crew members. Supporting Morocco's summer travel season La Méridionale deployed the Massalia to support Operation Marhaba 2025, which helps millions of Moroccans living abroad return home each summer, aiming to provide smooth, comfortable, and quality service throughout this busy travel period. The new vessel further strengthens La Méridionale's presence in Morocco by offering families, transporters, and Mediterranean travelers a reliable and comfortable travel option. Environmental focus Attending the inaugural ceremony, the President of La Méridionale Maria Harti pointed out the company's commitment to responsible shipping, saying, 'The Massalia represents more than just a new ship in our fleet.' 'It symbolizes our clear ambition to provide more reliable, comfortable, and responsible maritime transport.' The vessel uses the latest propulsion technologies and emission treatment systems to reduce its environmental impact. Harti noted that every detail focuses on making the crossing a moment of serenity and hospitality, staying true to the company's promise that passenger well-being comes first. The Massalia launch marks another step in La Méridionale's expansion of ferry services connecting Europe and North Africa, providing essential transportation links for both commercial and passenger traffic across the Mediterranean. Tags: FleetFranceMoroccoTanger Medvessel
Ya Biladi
24-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced on Monday before the House of Representatives that, in preparation for Operation Marhaba 2025, his department has implemented a series of measures in coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the transport of 7.5 million travelers and 2 million vehicles across 13 maritime routes. In response to a question about transportation fares across all modes, Kayouh said that 29 ships have been mobilized, offering a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, for a total of 7.5 million travelers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings. He also noted that 59 airlines have been authorized to operate approximately 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international destinations. As for Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the national carrier has added four aircraft to its fleet for the summer season. It will provide 6.6 million seats, an increase of 700,000 compared to 2024, reflecting the ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans living abroad. The minister recalled that, as part of Morocco's strategic choices, the country adopted an Open Sky policy in 2006. This decision has paid off, with more than 50 airlines, including several low-cost carriers, now operating in Morocco and connecting it to numerous European destinations.
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Operation Marhaba 2025: 29 Ships Prepare for 3.5 Million Travelers
Doha – Morocco has finalized preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025, focusing on four key priorities: traffic flow management, strengthened security, proximity support, and enhanced health vigilance. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined these measures during a weekly oral questions session at the House of Councilors on Tuesday. The maritime component will feature 29 vessels from seven shipping companies operating 12 routes from ports in Italy, France, and Spain. Approximately MAD 28 million ($2.8 million) has been allocated to improve reception infrastructure at the Tanger-Med port. This year's operation anticipates an exceptional influx of approximately 3.5 million travelers, mainly Moroccans residing in Europe, representing a 4% increase from previous years. An estimated 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the strait this summer, marking a 5% increase. This rise may be linked to the Spanish government's regularization program, allowing thousands of migrants to normalize their status and travel. The operation will feature over 12,000 maritime crossings—an 84% increase compared to 2004. 'Security and safety will be reinforced through enhanced border control mechanisms,' Bourita said. The operation will deploy 24 reception centers—18 within Morocco and six abroad—along with additional human resources in accordance with royal instructions. Read also: Marhaba 2024: Nearly 1.9 Million Passengers Have Passed Through Moroccan Ports The 36th meeting of the Moroccan-Spanish joint commission, initially planned for Tangier but relocated to Cadiz, finalized coordination measures that will be implemented between June 15 and September 15. Consulates will maintain their traditional extended schedule during this period, including weekend and holiday service. Staff numbers will increase, and mobile consulates will be established 'to support this large-scale operation under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, benefiting three million citizens,' according to the minister. Health vigilance remains a priority with specialized teams positioned along routes and at rest areas. 'The goal is to improve this operation year after year, to meet His Majesty the King's ambition,' Bourita noted. A massive joint workforce of approximately 60,000 personnel will be mobilized across all sectors. Spanish authorities announced the recruitment of at least 29,000 people, while Morocco will deploy a similar number of participants, including official institutions, administrations, volunteers, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, and other stakeholders. Preparations have involved multiple meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Interior Ministry. Another Moroccan-Spanish meeting was held in Cadiz on May 29, along with various thematic sectoral meetings. Streamlined reentry for Moroccan expats The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) announced new facilities for Moroccan expatriates on May 28. Notably, Moroccans aged 60 and above who have lived abroad for at least ten years can now benefit from a 90% reduction on the value of imported vehicles. Provincial and Prefectural Customs Directors can now validate applications based on authenticated documents, including residence certificates, foreign ID cards with overseas addresses, or consular registration cards. The administration has also simplified procedures for returning expatriates, who can benefit from a three-year aging allowance on their vehicle's age, limited to one vehicle per person and once in a lifetime. Previously required two-year pay slips for employees or tax declarations for merchants are no longer necessary. In Ceuta, authorities have launched a mobile application called 'Embolsamiento Ceuta' to manage traffic flow toward Morocco. Available in Spanish, French, and English, the app provides real-time estimates of waiting times at the Tarajal border crossing. Users receive a digital ticket with a QR code required for entry and exit from the regulation area, with paper tickets available for those without smartphones. Ceuta has also increased staffing with up to ten agents daily working in three shifts. Infrastructure improvements include more shaded areas and new drinking water points. Traffic forecasts predict a 4% increase in travelers and 5% in vehicles compared to last year, despite a slight decline in personal car travel. Tags: Marhaba 2025Marhaba operationNasser Bourita
Maroc
04-06-2025
- Health
- Maroc
Operation Marhaba 2025 Focuses on Traffic Fluidity, Enhanced Security & Local Support
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said on Tuesday 03 June that Operation Marhaba 2025 is set to be mainly focused on ensuring traffic fluidity, enhancing security, providing local support and maintaining heightened health vigilance. Speaking during question time at the House of Councillors, Bourita stated that 29 ships belonging to seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes from the ports of Italy, France and Spain, adding that a budget of around MAD 28 million has been allocated to improve the reception infrastructure at the port of Tanger-Med. The minister also highlighted that security is set to be enhanced thanks to strengthened border control mechanisms, and that local support will be provided through 24 reception centers, including 18 in France and 6 abroad, in addition to the mobilization of additional human resources, on the High Royal Instructions. Bourita added that consulates will operate from June 15 to September 15, as usual, on a permanent basis (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), noting that staffing levels will be increased and mobile consulates will be set up "to support this large-scale operation, placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for the benefit of three million citizens." Health vigilance is also part of this general mobilization, with the presence of specialized teams on the roads and at rest areas, he added, emphasizing that "the aim is to improve this operation year on year, so as to live up to the ambition of His Majesty the King." Bourita also recalled that preparations for this large-scale, unparalleled operation included several meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the organization of a Moroccan-Spanish meeting in Cadiz on May 29, in addition to thematic sectoral meetings. (MAP: 04 June 2025)
