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Rabat – Morocco has officially launched the 2025 edition of Operation Marhaba, a long-running campaign to welcome and help Moroccans living abroad on their summer return home.
The operation is an annual initiative by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity to welcome the Moroccan diaspora.
This year’s 25th edition kicked off on June 10, and it’s bigger than ever with 26 welcome sites across Morocco and key European countries.
The foundation, working with partners, has opened two new sites at Laayoune and Dakhla airports. This means 20 centers are now operational in Morocco’s main ports and airports, helping travelers with arrivals and departures.
Plus, there are special “receiving rooms” at rest stops and border crossings like Bab Sebta and Mellil to make peak travel times smoother.
Marhaba also has a strong presence in six European ports: Genoa (Italy), Sète and Marseille (France), and Motril, Almería, and Algeciras (Spain). These ports are key entry points for many Moroccans living abroad, and support teams are on hand to offer guidance and assistance even before travelers reach Morocco.
Operation Marhaba also provides comprehensive support through a large team of over 1,200 people. This includes social workers, physicians, paramedics, foundation personnel, and volunteers who are available from June 10 to September 15.
The entire operation is overseen by a central coordination office in Rabat. This office monitors activities at all reception points, manages resources, and ensures quick responses to any issues. It also runs a 24/7 dedicated helpline for travelers, accessible from Morocco and abroad via specific phone numbers for various countries.
Operation Marhaba remains more than a logistical endeavor. It mirrors Morocco’s ongoing relationship with its diaspora, a gesture of hospitality and solidarity rooted in shared identity and care.
Speaking before the House of Councilors last week, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined this year’s key arrangements.
The maritime component will include 29 vessels operated by seven shipping companies across 12 routes linking ports in Italy, France, and Spain. Around MAD 28 million ($2.8 million) has been dedicated to enhancing reception infrastructure at Tanger-Med port.
This year’s operation expects an exceptional flow of roughly 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, marking a 4% rise compared to previous years.
