Spain Approves Preparations for Operation Marhaba 2022, Enabling Moroccan Diaspora Travel

The Spanish authorities at various levels (customs and port personnel, members of the security forces and civil protection or health) involved in the organization of Operation Marhaba can now take the necessary actions for the success of this year’s edition. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior gave the green light on Tuesday to launch the hostilities, reports Diario Sur.

To read: Spain and Morocco to Discuss Reopening Borders, Resuming Marhaba Operation

The Transit Operation was canceled in 2020 for health reasons and in 2021 for diplomatic reasons between Madrid and Rabat, caused by the arrival in Spain of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front. During these two years, Morocco excluded the Spanish ports, asking its nationals in Europe to go through the ports of Sète in France and Genoa in Italy to travel to the kingdom.

To read: Morocco-Spain Ferry Services Resume After Diplomatic Thaw

The Spanish government decided to launch the preparations for Operation Marhaba after the resumption of maritime links on Tuesday. The trigger will have been the change in Spain’s position on the Sahara in mid-March, and the visit last Thursday of Pedro Sanchez to Rabat, marking the end of the crisis and the beginning of a "new stage" in the relationship between the two countries.

On Monday, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Isabel Goicoechea, and the Director General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, Leonardo Marcos, co-chaired the meeting of the State Coordination and Management Committee (CECOD) of Operation Marhaba 2022 which will take place between June 15 and September 15, in compliance with health rules.