Moroccan Diaspora Return Operation Begins Slowly, Surge Expected in July

Last Thursday, the day after the launch of the Transit Operation, the influx was timid with only a few dozen cars. "This is the calm before the storm," assures Esther Mendoza, head of the border post at the port of Algeciras, to El Pais. "When the children take their vacation in July, it will be very different," adds agent Francisco Orihuela, who is checking the vehicles ready to board.

A strong influx is expected as the July 9 date approaches, the date chosen for the celebration of the Feast of the Lamb (Aïd al-adha), adds Mendoza. For his part, Josef Bentaouet, owner of a cafeteria near the port, "has not yet noticed much." "Let’s wait and see next week," he said, fearing that the rise in fuel and ferry ticket prices could compromise the good results expected from this Operation.

To read: Over 11,000 Moroccan Expats Return Home in First Days of Marhaba 2022 Operation

"The tickets cost us 433 euros, almost double compared to 2019. I think we will spend about 1,000 euros for the round trip," explains Samal Lamaayzy, from Tangier. He and his wife, Fátima Gámez, left Vitoria on Wednesday for Algeciras to board for Morocco. The couple is eager to reunite with their loved ones in Rabat, after more than two years of border closures due to the health and diplomatic crisis between Spain and Morocco.

Nearly 3.6 million Moroccans Residing Abroad and 800,000 vehicles are expected for this Marhaba Operation, in which seven shipping companies and 33 ships are participating. As of June 15, 5,549 Moroccans Residing Abroad and 1,756 vehicles have transited through all the Andalusian ports. 85.1% of these movements took place in the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa, according to figures from the Andalusian Government Delegation.