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Rabat – The Spanish enclave of Ceuta is gearing up for Marhaba Operation, an annual initiative to welcome millions of members of Morocco’s diaspora during the summer season.
Spanish news agency EFE said on Sunday that authorities in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta implemented a series of measures to facilitate the transit of Moroccans as part of the operation, which will take place from June 15 to September 15.
EFE quoted sources from the local government in the enclave, noting that measures will concern the Loma Colmenar zone, about 100 meters from the Tarajal border.
The zone is where vehicles arrive in Ceuta from Algeciras port for passing. Cars stop in the area pending the authorities’ permit to leave for the border.
Ceuta authorities deployed digital tools designed to “improve the user experience” through the Embolsamiento Ceuta mobile application, which is available in three languages to allow users to see estimated wait times at the border crossing checkpoint.
The application also seeks to enable the passengers to check the expected vehicle flow on dates like weekends and holidays.
EFE announced that the application is available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
Authorities forecast a 4% increase in the number of people who will transit through the operation this year, in addition to a 5% increase in vehicle transits.
Ports and transit centers ready for visitors
Moroccan authorities are also gearing up for the kick-off of the operation. In May, Morocco’s customs administration announced measures to simplify vehicle import rules for diaspora as part of the upcoming Marhaba operation.
As part of the announced measures, Moroccans aged 60 and older who have lived abroad for at least 10 years can now receive a 90% tax reduction on their imported vehicle’s new-state value.
Moroccan and Spanish high-level officials have also repeatedly held meetings as part of their joint efforts to facilitate the transit of Moroccans flocking to the North African country for the summer season.
Both sides frequently express determination to cooperate to ensure the smooth, safe, and secure running of the operation.
Last year, over 2.8 million passengers, including two million Moroccans living abroad, and 662,000 vehicles transited through Moroccan ports between June 5 and September 5.
The number represents an increase of 5.5% in total passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2023. It is also up 17% in Moroccan diaspora transits and a 9.5% increase for vehicles.
Morocco mobilized over 29 ships capable of making 535 weekly trips, providing a weekly transport capacity of approximately 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles.
