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Morocco World
3 days ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Operation Marhaba 2025: 29 Ships Prepare for 3.5 Million Travelers
Doha – Morocco has finalized preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025, focusing on four key priorities: traffic flow management, strengthened security, proximity support, and enhanced health vigilance. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined these measures during a weekly oral questions session at the House of Councilors on Tuesday. The maritime component will feature 29 vessels from seven shipping companies operating 12 routes from ports in Italy, France, and Spain. Approximately MAD 28 million ($2.8 million) has been allocated to improve reception infrastructure at the Tanger-Med port. This year's operation anticipates an exceptional influx of approximately 3.5 million travelers, mainly Moroccans residing in Europe, representing a 4% increase from previous years. An estimated 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the strait this summer, marking a 5% increase. This rise may be linked to the Spanish government's regularization program, allowing thousands of migrants to normalize their status and travel. The operation will feature over 12,000 maritime crossings—an 84% increase compared to 2004. 'Security and safety will be reinforced through enhanced border control mechanisms,' Bourita said. The operation will deploy 24 reception centers—18 within Morocco and six abroad—along with additional human resources in accordance with royal instructions. Read also: Marhaba 2024: Nearly 1.9 Million Passengers Have Passed Through Moroccan Ports The 36th meeting of the Moroccan-Spanish joint commission, initially planned for Tangier but relocated to Cadiz, finalized coordination measures that will be implemented between June 15 and September 15. Consulates will maintain their traditional extended schedule during this period, including weekend and holiday service. Staff numbers will increase, and mobile consulates will be established 'to support this large-scale operation under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, benefiting three million citizens,' according to the minister. Health vigilance remains a priority with specialized teams positioned along routes and at rest areas. 'The goal is to improve this operation year after year, to meet His Majesty the King's ambition,' Bourita noted. A massive joint workforce of approximately 60,000 personnel will be mobilized across all sectors. Spanish authorities announced the recruitment of at least 29,000 people, while Morocco will deploy a similar number of participants, including official institutions, administrations, volunteers, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, and other stakeholders. Preparations have involved multiple meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Interior Ministry. Another Moroccan-Spanish meeting was held in Cadiz on May 29, along with various thematic sectoral meetings. Streamlined reentry for Moroccan expats The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) announced new facilities for Moroccan expatriates on May 28. Notably, Moroccans aged 60 and above who have lived abroad for at least ten years can now benefit from a 90% reduction on the value of imported vehicles. Provincial and Prefectural Customs Directors can now validate applications based on authenticated documents, including residence certificates, foreign ID cards with overseas addresses, or consular registration cards. The administration has also simplified procedures for returning expatriates, who can benefit from a three-year aging allowance on their vehicle's age, limited to one vehicle per person and once in a lifetime. Previously required two-year pay slips for employees or tax declarations for merchants are no longer necessary. In Ceuta, authorities have launched a mobile application called 'Embolsamiento Ceuta' to manage traffic flow toward Morocco. Available in Spanish, French, and English, the app provides real-time estimates of waiting times at the Tarajal border crossing. Users receive a digital ticket with a QR code required for entry and exit from the regulation area, with paper tickets available for those without smartphones. Ceuta has also increased staffing with up to ten agents daily working in three shifts. Infrastructure improvements include more shaded areas and new drinking water points. Traffic forecasts predict a 4% increase in travelers and 5% in vehicles compared to last year, despite a slight decline in personal car travel. Tags: Marhaba 2025Marhaba operationNasser Bourita
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Marhaba Operation : New customs benefits for returning Moroccans
Led by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Marhaba operation will run from June 15 to September 15 this year, with support from the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) to assist Moroccans living abroad (MRE) in their administrative procedures. Focused on simplifying processes, improving access to information, and supporting investment project holders, a circular issued Wednesday outlines these initiatives in line with the commitments of the «Welcome Charter». According to Circular 6659/311, the main new measure this year concerns a 90% reduction in customs duties for the «consumption release of older vehicles owned by Moroccans living abroad». This fiscal benefit applies to Moroccans worldwide aged 60 or older who have lived abroad for at least ten years, provided they present a registration certificate from a Moroccan diplomatic or consular office confirming this period of residency. Since some Moroccans living abroad hold registration certificates showing less than 10 years abroad but can provide other documents proving a stay of 10 years or more, the ADII has authorized provincial and prefectural customs directors to approve customs clearance under this fiscal benefit based on any authenticated document establishing compliance with the 10-year residency condition. Acceptable documents include a detailed residency history issued by competent authorities (police, town hall, employment offices), a residence card or consular registration, a foreign ID card with an overseas address, or a certificate of residence abroad. Facilitations for MRE Returning Permanently For MRE returning to live permanently in Morocco, Circular 4158/312 (dated 16/05/1991) grants a three-year vehicle age exemption for duties and taxes on one vehicle per person, once in a lifetime—excluding diplomats and students. Previously, beneficiaries had to provide payslips covering at least two years or proof of tax declarations; the new circular now waives this requirement to simplify the process. Other conditions remain in place, detailed in the circular's annex and the 2025 Guide for Moroccans of the World, available online. MRE employees, traders, and professionals can also enjoy full exemptions from duties and taxes on used furniture, personal effects, clothing, and one unit per household appliance category (refrigerator, washing machine, stove, etc.). Personal items must not exceed a total value of 30,000 dirhams, and used tools/materials must not exceed 150,000 dirhams; amounts above these thresholds require payment of duties at the current rates. Students, itinerant traders, or workers residing in Gibraltar for at least five years are also eligible for similar facilitations and exemptions—one relocation per family—provided they submit specific documents, including an official certificate of change of residence (from municipal authorities or Moroccan consulates) and a dated, signed detailed inventory of their belongings. The ADII emphasizes that importing furniture and changing residence must happen simultaneously, with all items imported at once. If moved in two parts, both shipments must be listed on the initial inventory and processed by the same customs office within six months from the certificate's issuance. Finally, the ADII underlines its commitment to enhanced cooperation with all stakeholders involved in this operation and requests that any application difficulties be promptly reported to the Central Administration using this circular as reference.
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
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
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Celebrates His 22nd Birthday
Rabat – On Thursday, the Kingdom of Morocco will observe the 22nd birthday of Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, an occasion that reaffirms the enduring continuity of the Alaouite Dynasty and the strong, time-honoured connection between the royal family and the Moroccan people. Born on May 8, 2003 at the Royal Palace in Rabat, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan was named in honor of his grandfather, the late King Hassan II. The Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery officially announced his birth, and the nation welcomed the news with joy, symbolizing not only the continuation of royal heritage but also a new chapter in the life of the Kingdom. Tomorrow, as Prince Moulay El Hassan turns 22, he has increasingly assumed a visible and dignified role in national life. His growing presence at key events reflects both his preparedness and his deep sense of responsibility toward public service and state affairs. On April 21, 2025, the Crown Prince presided over the opening of the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Fair in Meknes. This year's edition carried the theme 'Agriculture and the Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development', bringing forward Morocco's ongoing efforts toward ecological balance and resilient agricultural practices. Earlier, on 3 March, the prince joined Princess Lalla Khadija to launch the Ramadan 1446 food distribution campaign. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity orchestrated the initiative. It reached over one million households and reaffirmed the royal family's steadfast commitment to social welfare, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan. The Crown Prince has also played an increasingly prominent role in Morocco's diplomatic engagements. Last November, he received Chinese President Xi Jinping during a short visit to Morocco, a significant gesture in the context of bilateral relations. In the cultural sphere, the Crown Prince presided over the Grand Prix of Tbourida at the El Jadida Horse Show, welcomed young participants from Jerusalem at the Royal Palace in Tetouan, and took part in commemorations marking the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne. These appearances form a clear portrait of a young royal rising to his role with assurance, quietly earning the admiration of the public and the respect of institutions. Yet tomorrow's significance lies not in ceremony, but in celebration. As the Crown Prince marks his 22nd year, Moroccans reflect not only on his noble lineage but also on the promise of a future shaped by dedication and continuity. It is a day of shared pride and joy, one that honors the past and welcomes the years ahead.
