Moroccan Diaspora Reunites with Family as Marhaba Operation Resumes After 3-Year Hiatus

"It’s wonderful," exclaimed Simo Rhafir, visibly moved after the announcement of the reopening of the borders between Morocco and Spain and the organization of the Marhaba Operation 2022. "I haven’t seen my family in Morocco since 2019. My brother died at the age of 72 and I couldn’t attend the funeral. It’s very hard not to have shared the pain with the rest of my brothers," he told La Gaceta de Salamanca.

To read: Record Number of Travelers Expected as Morocco-Spain Ferry Routes Reopen for Summer

Simo, his wife Hana and their children Fouad and Loua are preparing to spend at least 20 days in Morocco in July. "Early July is an important date, as it coincides with the Eid Al-Adha holiday and millions of Moroccans living abroad will travel to the country on this occasion to reconn