Morocco Unveils Measures for ’Marhaba 2022’ Diaspora Return Operation

Speaking in parliament on the subject, the minister stated that the Marhaba operation will be exceptional in more than one way, specifying that the main measures have been taken in coordination with the other concerned services and departments.

These measures particularly concern the improvement of the quality of consular services for monitoring the transit operation and coordination with the host countries; the mobilization for the reception of Moroccans residing abroad (MREs); the opening of mobile consulates in the various ports of Sète, Genoa and Algeciras and the strengthening of the human capital of the consular services in the host countries, particularly in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands, he stressed.

Furthermore, up to 32 ferries have been mobilized on all the maritime lines connecting the Moroccan ports to the Spanish, French and Italian destinations. These ships offer a capacity of around 480,000 passengers and some 123,000 cars as part of a program of 571 weekly trips, it is specified.

Regarding air transport, he indicated that the number of flights has been increased, with the strengthening of the existing offer and the opening of new routes to meet the demand on certain destinations. For land transport, Bourita indicated that new companies have been authorized to provide transportation for MREs in Europe, with the implementation of a dedicated guide.

On the security level, the executive has mobilized all resources to ensure the smooth running of the operation. As for the health aspect, the authorities have established a flexible health protocol, which consists of presenting a vaccination pass or a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to the trip. Similarly, a doctor and an isolation area will be deployed on board the various ships reserved for the operation.