Spain Prepares for Return of Moroccan Diaspora in Annual ’Marhaba’ Operation

There are already signs heralding the Marhaba operation. The Spanish authorities have undertaken development work on parking spaces and rest areas (with refreshment stands, toilets, car shelters, etc.) in front of the port of Algeciras, as observed by L’Économiste. Thus, the arrival of Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) is taking shape. However, the holding of the Marhaba operation depends on the epidemiological evolution in the host and home countries of the MREs, as well as on the reopening of the borders of European countries or the holding of a joint Morocco-Spain commission responsible for preparing the travel conditions.

Responding to an oral question on the subject in the House of Representatives, Nazha El Ouafi had declared on May 3 that three factors must be met for the holding of the Marhaba operation. "First, there is the evolution of the epidemiological situation in the host countries of Moroccans around the world, then the announcement of the opening dates of the land, air and sea borders of Morocco and the transit countries of the MREs, since the Marhaba operation is carried out in coordination with EU countries, such as France, Spain and Italy, and there is the willingness of these countries to open their borders to the passage of the MRE," she had said.