Latest news with #Marhaba2025


Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco to Boost Maritime Transport Capacity for Summer Rush with 520 Weekly Crossings
Morocco will reinforce its maritime transport services with 520 weekly crossings between the country and Southern Europe as part of the 'Marhaba 2025' summer transit operation, a government spokesperson said on Thursday. The enhanced maritime offering aims to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the summer period, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas, pointed out at a press briefing following the weekly Cabinet meeting. Under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, the operation will support the transit of up to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles each week, Baitas said. A total of 29 vessels operated by seven shipping companies will provide 12 maritime routes connecting Moroccan ports with those in Spain, France and Italy, he added. The government has also stepped up support measures, including reinforced border control systems, 24 reception centers—18 in Morocco and six abroad—and the deployment of medical teams along key roads and rest stops. Consular services will operate on weekends and public holidays between June 15 and September 15 to assist with the operation, Baitas said. (MAP: 05 June 2025)


Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco to Boost Maritime Transport with 520 Weekly Sailings
Rabat– Morocco will boost its special maritime passenger transport to and from southern Europe with 520 weekly sailings under the Marhaba 2025 operation. This was announced Thursday by Mustapha Baitas, government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament. Speaking after the weekly government council meeting, Baitas said that the operation, will increase transport capacity to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles per week. To meet this demand, 29 vessels from seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with key ports in Italy, France, and Spain. The operation also focuses on strengthening security by enhancing border control equipment and offering close support through 24 reception centers—18 inside Morocco and six abroad. Specialized medical teams will be deployed along major roads and rest areas to ensure travelers' health and safety. Additionally, consular services will be mobilized on weekends and holidays from June 15 to September 15 to assist travelers. This year's Marhaba operation is set against expectations of an unprecedented influx of about 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, representing a 4% increase over previous years. Around 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, marking a 5% rise that may be partly attributed to Spain's migrant regularization program. An investment of approximately MAD 28 million (around $2.8 million) has been dedicated to upgrading reception infrastructure at Tanger-Med port to better handle the flow. Overall, Marhaba 2025 aims to ensure smooth traffic management, enhanced security, proximity support, and heightened health vigilance, in line with royal directives to guarantee a safe and efficient return for Moroccans abroad during the summer season. Tags: Marhaba 2025Morocco TourismTourism


Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Welcome 2025: 520 Weekly Maritime Connections Between Morocco and Southern Europe
The special offer for passenger maritime transport between Morocco and southern Europe as part of the Marhaba 2025 operation will be enhanced by 520 weekly crossings to accommodate the expected flow during the summer period, stated Mustapha Baitas, the Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament and government spokesperson, on Thursday. In response to journalists' questions following the government council meeting, the minister emphasized that as part of the Marhaba 2025 operation, the capacity of the special maritime transport offer has been increased to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles per week. In this regard, Baitas reported the mobilization of 29 ships belonging to seven maritime companies to ensure 12 routes between Moroccan ports and those in Italy, France, and Spain. The efforts made to ensure the success of this operation also focus on improving security through the strengthening of border control equipment and close support via 24 reception centers, including 18 within the national territory and 6 abroad, in addition to the mobilization of specialized medical teams on the roads and in rest areas, he stated. He continued by saying that consular services will be mobilized, as usual, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from June 15 to September 15.


Ya Biladi
09-05-2025
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : Record surge in travelers expected for Morocco-Spain crossing operation
The «Marhaba 2025» crossing operation is expected to see a significant increase in the number of travelers and vehicles, with passenger numbers projected to rise by 4% and vehicle numbers by 5% compared to 2024, which saw over 3.4 million travelers and 847,000 vehicles cross. This estimate was made during a meeting of the Moroccan-Spanish Joint Committee, held Wednesday in the Spanish city of Cádiz, to finalize the reception and organization plan for this major operation, which will begin on June 15 and continue until September 15, 2025. In response to the anticipated rise, 12,012 sea trips have been scheduled between the two shores of the Mediterranean, representing an 8.4% increase compared to last year. Logistical and human resources are being bolstered to ensure a smooth and safe crossing. This bilateral coordination aims to facilitate efficient mobility, reduce congestion at ports, and provide full support to the Maghreb community, which annually crosses from Europe to Morocco for the summer holidays. Over 20 Spanish institutions, at both national and regional levels, are participating in the operation, alongside approximately 29,000 personnel from security forces, health teams, the Red Cross, translators, and social assistants. Susana Crisostomo, an official from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, confirmed that the crossing operation «represents a successful model of regional cooperation», emphasizing that «the key to success lies in constant coordination and prior planning between Morocco and Spain». On the Moroccan side, the delegation was led by Khalid Zerouali, Director of Migration and Border Control, along with senior officials from the Moroccan Embassy in Madrid, the Royal Gendarmerie, and several relevant ministries.


Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Spain Meet in Cadiz to Plan Smooth, Safe Marhaba 2025
Rabat – Moroccan and Spanish high-level officials recently held a joint meeting to prepare for Marhaba 2025, a major operation that supports the return of Moroccan nationals living abroad during the summer season. The meeting took place on Wednesday in Cadiz, Spain, and was co-chaired by Khalid Zerouali, Wali and Director of Migration and Border Surveillance in Morocco, and Susana Crisóstomo, Spain's Under-Secretary of State for the Interior. During the meeting, both sides discussed the practical arrangements to ensure the smooth, safe, and secure running of the operation. Talks focused on key aspects such as fluidity, safety, medical and social support, communication, and health precautions. Morocco is preparing a national plan to coordinate all sectors involved. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity will deploy more than 1,200 people, mostly social workers and doctors, in Morocco and abroad to assist travelers. The plan also includes a strong maritime transport strategy with a fleet of 29 ships operated by seven companies will serve 12 maritime routes. The main route, Tanger Med-Algeciras, will have a daily capacity of over 41,000 passengers and 10,800 vehicles. Investments have also been made to upgrade the ports of Tanger Med, Nador, and Al Hoceima, including areas for rest, shaded zones, clear signs, and dredging for ferry docks. Medical support will also be available across 3,578 km of roads and rest stops. Doctors, nurses, ambulances, and temporary medical units will be deployed. Local authorities in Morocco will set up special teams in provinces and prefectures, while security forces will increase their presence. Moroccan consulates in Spain will be open every day, including weekends and holidays. Morocco will also launch a communication strategy to provide Moroccan nationals abroad with clear and practical information. Meanwhile, Spain is set to improve its port capacity, deploy security and police forces, work with the Red Cross, and set up coordination centers and rest and information zones. Both countries agreed to improve coordination to manage busy travel days, ticket exchanges, and to stop price speculation on ferry tickets. Tags: Marhaba 2025Morocco and Spain