Successful Conclusion of Operation Marhaba 2026
Operation Marhaba 2026, overseen by the esteemed Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, has successfully concluded after more than three months of dedicated efforts, successfully welcoming an impressive 4,137,594 Moroccans residing abroad. This figure marks a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year’s edition in 2025, showcasing the operation's growing significance.
Commencing on June 10 and running until September 15 under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the operation was characterized by robust humanitarian mobilization and enhanced coordination between the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity and various stakeholders. The management of passenger flows during this period was executed with remarkable efficiency, ensuring that even on peak days—when nearly 80,000 arrivals and over 87,000 departures were recorded—there was no significant congestion.
Comprehensive Support and Humanitarian Assistance
To facilitate the influx of passengers, particularly during the high-traffic departure phase, a sophisticated system was put in place. This included the introduction of fixed-date tickets, the establishment of traffic regulation zones, and dedicated support for coach travelers at the ports of Tanger Med and Algeciras, complemented by awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing the travel experience. The Mohammed V Foundation mobilized substantial human and technical resources to support this initiative, deploying a centralized coordination office along with 1,134 social workers and 236 medical personnel, including doctors and paramedics.
The operation was executed through a network of 26 Marhaba reception areas in Morocco and abroad, covering key locations such as the ports of Tanger Ville, Tanger Med, Nador, and Al Hoceima, along with the Bab Sebta and Bab Melilia crossings. Major airports including Casablanca, Oujda, Tangier Ibn Battouta, and Marrakech were also included. In Europe, six reception areas were established in major ports including Genoa in Italy, and Sète, Marseille, Motril, Almeria, and Algeciras in Spain.
On the humanitarian front, the Foundation provided direct assistance to 66,993 members of the Moroccan diaspora. This assistance encompassed 14,089 interventions related to administrative, customs, and legal matters, alongside 787 cases requiring transport assistance. Additionally, the Foundation recorded 8,495 instances of medical aid, including emergency first aid and hospitalizations. These statistics reflect a myriad of real-life situations necessitating swift intervention, ranging from polytrauma cases to issues with lost documents and road accidents.
For instance, in July, teams from the Foundation responded to a serious coach accident involving 45 Moroccan expatriates returning from Italy, providing immediate care and facilitating the transfer of severely injured passengers to El Idrissi Provincial Hospital. Similarly, in August, they organized transportation for nearly 1,000 distressed passengers at the port of Algeciras and assisted vehicle owners facing boarding issues due to parking management problems. In September, their support extended to families affected by a tragic incident at the port, where two relatives had passed away, ensuring they received the necessary administrative assistance for repatriation.
Omar Moussa Abdellah, a project manager at the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, emphasized that the 2026 edition of Operation Marhaba was executed under optimal conditions, thanks to the remarkable mobilization of all stakeholders involved. He noted that this operation was conducted without any major incidents, attributing this success to the continuous presence and coordination of teams on the ground, which allowed for effective support and reassurance for families.
Ultimately, the operation's strength and unique character lie in the dedication to humanitarian support, ensuring that Moroccans living abroad receive comprehensive assistance throughout their journeys to and from Morocco. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity remains committed to this mission, providing vital resources and support to enhance the travel experience for the Moroccan diaspora.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
