Algeciras and Tarifa Ports Prepare for Resumed Morocco-Europe Transit Operation

Suspended for two years due to the health crisis and the political crisis between Spain and Morocco, the Marhaba Operation will take place this year, to the great satisfaction of the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa, and especially of the Moroccans residing in Europe who transit through these ports to reach Morocco in the summer. The resumption of the Transit Operation is one of the major fallouts from Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Rabat, which follows the change in Spain’s position on the Sahara.

"These two years have been very hard for us. Especially for the companies (shipping companies, auxiliaries, travel agencies, restaurants, service stations, workshops, hotels, etc.) that have suffered significant losses..." deplored the mayor of Algeciras, José Ignacio Landaluce, specifying that Algeciras has experienced losses "of around 100 million euros per year, not to mention the more important ones of the shipping companies, auxiliary companies, agencies..."

To read: Spanish Ports Anticipate Resumption of Morocco Ferry Service After Sanchez Visit

The mayor and travel agencies are convinced that this year’s Marhaba Operation will see a larger number of participants than in 2019, during which 894,891 people and 230,498 vehicles transited through the port of Algeciras, while 271,554 people and 38,632 passed through Tarifa. "We are convinced that the latest figures will be largely exceeded, as many Moroccan families want to reunite with their loved ones," assured Mayor Landaluce.

The news of the resumption of the Marhaba Operation has arouse