Morocco Enhances Consular Services for 3 Million Diaspora Returning Home

Morocco wants to improve and strengthen the existing consular services, such as the remote management of consular fees and the appointment booking service during the three months of Operation Marhaba (June 15 to September 15) in order to facilitate the return of Moroccans residing in Europe. More than 3 million Moroccans living abroad participated in the Transit Operation last year, an increase of 4% compared to 2019.

The Moroccan and Spanish authorities are expecting a larger influx this year and have already made arrangements for the passage of Moroccans living abroad under good conditions. Morocco has been preparing for this operation since May 3, and has started coordinating with Spain on May 17, following the meeting of the joint commission, Bourita said, stressing that the two parties are working to ensure the fluidity of the crossing of Moroccans living abroad.

During a recent visit to Melilla, the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, assured that everything is ready for Operation Marhaba 2023 to take place "with all guarantees", recalling that Spain and Morocco have been organizing this operation "with totally satisfactory results" and "very well-oiled protocols" for 35 years.

For future editions, Morocco plans to open new consulates in several countries, including the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Benghazi, as well as the creation of an electronic portal, a "unified consular guide" and a multilingual call center.