Overview of Operation Marhaba 2026
On Wednesday, Morocco officially inaugurated the 26th edition of Operation Marhaba at the bustling port of Tanger Med. This ambitious three-month initiative is set to welcome approximately 3 million Moroccans living abroad during the peak summer transit season. Renowned as one of the largest seasonal transit operations connecting two continents, Operation Marhaba is a testament to Morocco's commitment to its diaspora.
Key Features and Logistics of the Operation
The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity (FM5) has taken charge of coordinating this extensive operation, establishing a comprehensive network of 26 welcome centers strategically located across Morocco and Europe. Within Morocco, 20 welcome spaces are available, including at key ports such as Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, Al Hoceima, and Nador Bni Nsar, as well as major airports in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Additionally, rest areas and border crossings have been equipped to facilitate seamless travel. In Europe, six additional centers are operational at ports in Italy, France, and Spain, ensuring a robust support system for travelers from June 10 through September 15.
To ensure the success of this operation, nearly 1,400 personnel, including social workers, medical staff, and volunteers, have been deployed across the various locations. Sanae Dardikh, the communications director at the Mohammed V Foundation, highlighted that the simultaneous launch of the initiative at all sites was executed under royal guidance, underscoring its significance as a major national event.
Moreover, the operation is fortified by a Central Coordination Bureau (BCC) based in Rabat, which oversees all field activities and logistics management. A dedicated telephone helpline operates around the clock, providing assistance to travelers who need support during their transit. The helpline can be reached internationally as well as domestically, ensuring that all diaspora members have access to timely assistance.
In addition to ground transit support, Morocco is enhancing its air transport capabilities. Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced that over 65 airlines have received authorization to operate flights to more than 161 airports, primarily across Europe, facilitating easier travel for the Moroccan community during the summer months. He emphasized the government’s focus on ensuring safe and comfortable travel conditions, reflecting Morocco’s ongoing commitment to its Open Sky policy established in 2006.
Operation Marhaba is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Gendarmerie, and the Customs Administration, to ensure that both arrival and departure processes are efficient and comprehensive.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
