Latest news with #CustomsAdministration
Morocco World
28-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Simplifies Vehicle Import Rules for Diaspora in Operation Marhaba 2025
Rabat — Morocco's Customs Administration has announced two major simplifications for vehicle imports as part of Operation Marhaba 2025, the annual program supporting Moroccans living abroad during their summer return visits. 90% tax reduction for senior citizens 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. The customs administration has expanded accepted proof of foreign residence beyond consular certificates to include detailed residence history from police prefectures, city halls, or employment departments, residence permits or consular registration cards, foreign identity cards showing overseas addresses, and foreign residence certificates. Provincial and prefectural customs directors can now validate these alternative documents through delegation authority. Streamlined process for permanent returns Moroccans returning permanently to Morocco receive a three-year age reduction when calculating vehicle taxes and duties. This one-time benefit covers one vehicle per person and excludes diplomats and students. The customs administration eliminated previous paperwork requirements that demanded two years of pay slips from wage earners and recent tax documents from merchants and professionals. All other eligibility conditions remain unchanged. Operation Marhaba Launched in 2001 by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, Operation Marhaba coordinates annual support for millions of Moroccan expatriates visiting home. The program manages transportation, customs procedures, and logistical assistance during peak summer travel periods. These customs reforms reflect Morocco's commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora while reducing bureaucratic barriers. The changes particularly benefit older Moroccans who have established long-term residence abroad and those making permanent returns to their homeland. The customs administration has published an updated official guide online detailing all new provisions. These measures aim to ensure smoother services across all national customs structures during the busy summer travel season when Moroccan communities worldwide return home to visit family and friends. Tags: Custom administrationMoroccan living abroadMoroccooperation marhaba
Saudi Gazette
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia offers condolences to Iran following deadly Bandar Abbas port explosion
RIYADH/TEHRAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's sincere condolences and sympathy to Iran following an explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, which killed eight people and injured at least 750 others. The Kingdom extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also expressed readiness to provide any assistance requested by Iranian authorities in the aftermath of the tragedy. Iranian Interior Minister Eskander Momeni, speaking to state television from Bandar Abbas, confirmed that the death toll had risen from five to eight. He said about 750 people were injured, with 212 treated on an outpatient basis and the rest transferred to medical centers in Hormozgan and nearby provinces. Momeni added that firefighters were working to extinguish the fire, which remained the top priority after the completion of rescue operations. He said resources from other cities, including Tehran, had been dispatched to aid in containment efforts, and authorities expected the blaze to be controlled within hours. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed sorrow over the incident in a statement on X and ordered a full appointed Momeni as his special representative to oversee the probe and ensure support for the Iran's Customs Administration suspended all export and transit shipments to Shahid Rajaee Customs at Bandar Abbas until further media reported that the fire broke out around 12 p.m. local time in the container dock area, likely fueled by the presence of flammable materials and soaring temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Witnesses said a minor fire quickly spread and triggered the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company stated that the explosion and fire were unrelated to refineries, storage tanks, or oil distribution Rajaee Port, a key strategic hub located about 15 kilometers southwest of Bandar Abbas, sits on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime passages. — SG with inputs from Agencies
