Morocco Prepares for Massive Summer Influx as Operation Marhaba 2024 Takes Shape

The session was co-chaired by Khalid Zerouali, Wali, Director of Migration and Border Surveillance, and Susana Crisostomo, Under-Secretary of State of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. The two parties took stock of the preparations to ensure the arrangements made to ensure the smooth running of Operation Marhaba 2024.

The system put in place includes a fleet plan integrating 7 shipping companies that will serve 11 maritime lines with 29 ships capable of making 8,000 rotations and transporting more than 7 million passengers and 2 million vehicles. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity plays a central role in this organization, which also provides for the implementation of a social assistance system.

The system also takes into account the rehabilitation of the port infrastructures of Tanger-Med, Tanger ville, Nador and Al Hoceima in order to facilitate the life of Moroccans in Europe who will choose to visit the kingdom this summer. Various amenities are planned such as rest areas, shaded areas, walkways, a display and signage system, and dredging of car-ferry berths.

In addition, the plan has provided for the establishment of ad hoc cells in the provinces and prefectures, the strengthening of the security services mobilized for the Operation and the coordination of the Moroccan consular representations in Spain which should ensure daily, including weekends and public holidays. A multimedia communication strategy has been developed for better information sharing with Moroccans living abroad and between the two countries.