The Moroccan government's Operation Marhaba 2026 came to a close on September 15, with a total of 4,137,594 Moroccan expatriates (MRE) arriving in the country. This represents a 1.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. To manage the large influx of travelers, the authorities implemented a reinforced system, which included the introduction of firm tickets, the creation of regulation zones, and support for bus passengers transiting through the ports of Tanger Med and Algésiras.
The Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité played a crucial role in managing the operation, mobilizing significant human and technical resources. The foundation's device consisted of 26 reception spaces in Morocco and abroad, covering major ports and airports. These spaces provided assistance with administrative, customs, and legal procedures, as well as medical care and transportation support. A total of 1,134 social assistants and 236 medical personnel were deployed to provide support to travelers.
The operation saw significant numbers of arrivals and departures, with peaks of nearly 80,000 daily arrivals and over 87,000 departures during busy periods. The foundation provided direct support to 66,993 members of the Moroccan community, including assistance with administrative procedures, medical care, and transportation. A total of 8,495 people received medical assistance, including emergency care and hospitalization.
Beyond the numbers, the operation also involved responding to humanitarian situations. The foundation provided support to victims of accidents, including a July incident involving a bus carrying 45 MRE that was involved in an accident on the Tanger-Kénitra highway. The foundation also helped with the transportation of nearly 1,000 passengers stranded at the port of Algésiras in August.
The foundation's teams also intervened in cases of emergency, providing rapid support to families in need. This included organizing the transportation of families who had lost loved ones, as well as providing assistance with administrative procedures. According to Omar Moussa Abdellah, head of projects at the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité, the operation was marked by strong mobilization from all stakeholders and the foundation's teams.
The success of the operation was attributed to the effectiveness of the foundation's teams, who were able to respond quickly to emergencies and provide support to travelers. The operation's impact extends beyond the numbers, with many travelers benefiting from the support and assistance provided. The Moroccan government's efforts to facilitate the travel process for MRE have been recognized as a significant step in strengthening ties with the diaspora.
As the operation comes to a close, the Moroccan government and the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité are reflecting on the lessons learned and the challenges overcome. The experience will inform future operations, with a focus on continuing to improve the travel experience for MRE. The government has emphasized its commitment to supporting the diaspora and facilitating their travel to and from Morocco.
Key points
- 4.1 million Moroccan expatriates arrived in Morocco during Operation Marhaba 2026.
- The operation saw a 1.8% increase in arrivals compared to 2025.
- The Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité provided support to 66,993 members of the Moroccan community during the operation.
