Rabat–Moroccans living abroad are once again returning home in massive numbers for the summer holidays, as Operation Marhaba 2025 sees record-breaking figures despite misleading social media narratives suggesting otherwise.
According to official data released by Spain’s Civil Protection, over 36,000 passengers and nearly 9,000 vehicles arrived in Morocco from Spanish ports on July 27 alone, making it one of the busiest weekends of the operation.
Cumulatively, from the start of Operation Marhaba up to July 27, more than 1.13 million passengers and 280,000 vehicles have crossed into Morocco—a 3.7% and 3.8% increase, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.
Earlier this month, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, during a visit to the Port of Tarifa, announced that the number of travelers and vehicles during this year’s crossing had already increased by over 5.6% and 6.9%, respectively, compared to last summer. These upward trends suggest that the 2025 operation could surpass the 3.4 million crossings recorded last year—the highest number since records began in 1986.
Field reports from ports like Motril confirm the surge, with a 3% increase in traffic and full bookings across ferries over the last weekend. These figures directly contradict viral videos circulating on platforms like TikTok, which falsely portray empty ports and ferries, claiming a drop in turnout by Moroccans abroad.
Experts warn that this wave of misleading content represents a form of “digital pessimism,” prioritizing views and engagement over truth. More than just misinformation, this narrative risks damaging Morocco’s image, undermining public morale, and shaking the trust of the diaspora in their homeland.
Calls are growing for stronger oversight and accountability for individuals spreading false claims that can harm national interests and weaken the deep-rooted ties between Moroccan expatriates and their country of origin.
