Launch of Operation Marhaba 2026
On the explicit instructions of King Mohammed VI, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity has officially commenced Operation "Marhaba 2026" on June 10, 2026. This annual coordinated reception initiative aims to assist Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) in their summer journeys back to their homeland. According to a press release from the foundation, the reception systems in Morocco, France, Spain, and Italy were activated simultaneously at midnight, ensuring a smooth process for travelers.
Overview of Reception Centers and Services
This year’s operation is structured around a network of 26 reception points both domestically and internationally, designed to provide support at the most crucial transit locations. Within Morocco, 20 sites have been established, which include the ports of Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, Al Hoceima, and Nador Bni Nsar, as well as 11 airports across the country, including Casablanca, Rabat-Salé, Oujda, Agadir, Fès, Marrakech, and Tanger. Furthermore, the operation integrates border crossings to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta (Bab Sebta) and Melilla, along with several rest areas in the northern region of the country.
For those traveling via sea routes, there are six European port locations available outside of Morocco: Genoa in Italy, Sète and Marseille in France, and Algeciras, Almería, and Motril in Spain. The operation is scheduled to run from June 10 to September 15, 2026, encompassing both the arrival and return travel waves. The foundation reports that nearly 1,400 personnel are deployed, including social workers, doctors, paramedics, and volunteers, who will provide social support and medical first aid at these locations.
The Central Coordination Office (CCO) based in Rabat oversees the teams on the ground and manages responses to any potential bottlenecks. Additionally, the Marhaba telephone service established by the foundation is available 24/7 throughout the operation period to assist travelers with inquiries and support.
For travelers, the Central Coordination Office (CCO) has set up a 24-hour helpline, which can be reached through the following contact numbers:
Direct contacts for European ports:
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
