Morocco Considers Subsidizing Ferry Tickets for Diaspora’s Summer Return

In a question addressed to the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohammed Ben Abdeljalil, the PAM deputies deplored the difficulty experienced each year by MREs, forced to buy boat tickets at exorbitant prices to join Morocco during the summer holidays. They denounce a bidding war by shipping companies that take advantage of Operation Marhaba (June 15-September 15), when demand is high, to increase ticket prices.

To allow Moroccans from Europe to come to Morocco in large numbers next summer, the PAM deputies called on the government to act, for example by imposing a price ceiling on tickets, or by setting up a direct support mechanism for MREs, or even by subsidizing national shipping companies.

The cost of maritime transport has increased due to the surge in fuel prices, explained the Minister of Transport, however stressing the impossibility of capping ticket prices due to the international principle of free trade applicable to maritime relations between Morocco and Europe.

Nevertheless, the official promised, as part of Operation Marhaba 2023, to make a maritime fleet available to MREs during periods of high traffic, in order to diversify the maritime lines connecting Morocco to European and especially Spanish ports. The ministry is studying ways and means to regulate transport costs and optimize the use of the fleet for the benefit of MREs who could also make reservations.