Morocco Welcomes Over 1.5 Million Diaspora Members Under 2025 Marhaba Operation
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has welcomed over 1.5 million members of its diaspora by July 10, marking a 13.30% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who presented the data during a briefing to the Government Council on the progress of the 2025 Marhaba operation.
The Marhaba operation is an annual summer initiative designed to facilitate the return of Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) to their homeland for vacation. The latest figures reflect a growing engagement between Morocco and its global diaspora.
As of July 10, a total of 1,520,951 MREs had returned to Morocco, along with 151,411 vehicles, which marks a 3.56% increase over 2024. The government has scaled up operations to manage the summer influx, now processing more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily, with July 14 witnessing the highest number of daily arrivals so far this year.
Officials anticipate continued growth in the coming weeks as families complete their summer journeys back home.
To accommodate this demand, Morocco has enhanced its transportation infrastructure, notably expanding its maritime fleet to 29 ships operated by seven companies across 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with destinations in Spain, France, and Italy. These enhanced sea routes are now capable of transporting up to 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles, representing a 3% increase in capacity from last year.
The Marhaba operation underscores Morocco’s deep commitment to its diaspora, which plays a vital role in the national economy through remittances and investments. The operation’s success highlights the enduring emotional and economic ties between Morocco and its citizens abroad.
