Moroccan Diaspora Surge: Over 1.6 Million Cross Border Amid Travel Chaos

Many of these Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRAs) complained about the poor reception and organization at the Bab Sebta border post where they had waited for hours in an endless line and under the sun before entering Morocco.

According to data from the Directorate General of Civil Protection, as of August 9, 2025, more than 1,606,286 MRAs and 403,145 vehicles crossed the border into Morocco, an increase of 3.9% and 4.4% respectively compared to the previous year.

The number of MRAs who transited through the port of Algeciras increased by 8.5% and the number of vehicles by 10% compared to the previous year, an influx that led to congestion on the Ceuta–Algeciras line at the beginning of the operation.

Since July 15, the start date of the return phase, 378,205 MRAs and 96,727 vehicles have traveled from Morocco to Ceuta, representing an increase of 5.4% and 4.5% respectively compared to the previous year.