Uncertainty Looms Over Morocco’s Summer Transit Operation for Expats

With the extension of the state of emergency until June 10, and the recent statements by the Delegate Minister for Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nezha El Ouafi, who said that an "exceptional transit operation could take place", MREs in Europe no longer hope for an Operation Marhaba this year. On social networks, many are expressing their regret at this situation that prevents them from seeing their families for another year, as the Transit Operation was canceled in 2020 due to the health crisis.

While the port of Algeciras is gearing up for the holding of Operation Marhaba 2021, Morocco is planning special ferries for the entry of MREs from Europe. As last year, two maritime lines could be authorized: Genoa - Tangier and Sète - Tangier. Passengers will undergo a Covid test during these journeys that last more than 40 hours.

Regarding the opening of borders, Minister El Ouafi indicated that it will depend on the epidemiological situation in Morocco and the countries of origin and transit of the MREs. More than 8.7 million Moroccans have already received their first dose of the anti-Covid vaccine, but Morocco is far from reaching the much-desired collective immunity for an opening of borders.

Morocco’s option to do without Ceuta and Melilla for Operation Marhaba 2021 will imply significant losses for the Spanish ports, as well as the Spanish and Moroccan travel agencies and shipping companies crossing the strait.

MREs have also deplored the migration crisis in Ceuta on social networks, stating that they are "ashamed" of the Moroccan authorities who have used this "cheap" strategy to put pressure on Spain. "They impoverish people, abandon them and leave them at the mercy of other authorities," complains one of them. "It’s a shame that children are used for political purposes," laments another.