Morocco and Spain Prepare for Massive Summer Migration of Moroccan Expats

For the success of Operation Marhaba 2025, a high-level meeting between representatives of Morocco and Spain will be held on May 6 and 7 in Tangier. Discussions will focus on key aspects, such as logistical coordination, security measures, and necessary organizational arrangements, to ensure a smooth and secure flow of millions of passengers and vehicles through the main ports connecting Europe to Africa, reports Al Akhbar Al Maghribia. Both parties will consider the means to deploy in order to avoid traffic jams, improve service efficiency, and enhance security for all users. They will also need to sign operational agreements aimed at ensuring the success of this operation.

The ports involved include, among others, the ports of Algeciras, Tarifa, and Ceuta on the Spanish side, as well as the ports of Tangier City and Tangier Med on the Moroccan side. Morocco and Spain expect an increase in the number of maritime crossings and passengers (+4% expected arrivals). There will be significant changes in the participating transport companies, as well as an attempt to address the difficulties and malfunctions observed over the past two years.

Last year, Morocco chartered 29 ships operated by seven companies on the various lines connecting Moroccan ports to Spain, France, and Italy, with the primary objective of guaranteeing more than 535 weekly crossings with a maximum capacity estimated at 500,000 passengers and 130,000 cars each week. These efforts have paid off: more than 3 million passengers, including 70% of Moroccans residing abroad, and 705,000 cars transited through Moroccan ports between June 5 and September 15, representing increases of 6% in passengers and 10% in vehicles compared to 2023.