08-05-2025
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
