Moroccan Diaspora Bypasses Ceuta in Annual Summer Return, Easing Border Congestion

Contrary to last year when significant flows of MREs were recorded during the outward and return phases of Operation Marhaba, a low turnout was noted this year in Ceuta, particularly regarding the return phase. The operation went smoothly and fluidly, with waiting times not exceeding more than an hour during peak periods, compared to nearly 14 hours last year, reports Ceuta Actualidad.

The figures for Ceuta are below forecasts and far from last year’s figures, while at the same time, record flows are announced in Algeciras and Tarifa. As of August 15, some 256,739 MREs and 58,046 vehicles passed through Ceuta from Algeciras to Morocco. During the same period last year, Ceuta was closing the first phase of the Transit Operation with 336,349 passengers and 76,838 vehicles, or 12,000 more passengers and 4,000 more vehicles than in 2019.