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After three months of mobilisation in support of Moroccans Living Abroad, Operation Marhaba 2026 concludes with an overall assessment marked by an increase in arrivals, enhanced flow management and sustained mobilisation by all stakeholders.

Held under the Effective Presidency of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, the 26th edition recorded more than 4.1 million arrivals, an increase of 1,8% compared with 2025.

This particularly high level of arrivals at certain periods was accompanied by enhanced organisation and close coordination between the Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity and the various stakeholders. The overall reception and assistance arrangements ensured a continuous on-the-ground presence and support, contributing to the smooth running of the operation during both the arrival and departure phases.

The 2026 operation was characterised by effective flow management, including on the busiest days. Up to 80,000 arrivals were recorded on certain days, notably over the weekend of 31 July, while departures exceeded 87,000 crossings during the week of Eid Al Mawlid.
Particular attention was given to the departure phase, with a range of measures introduced to improve flow management, including confirmed-ticket requirements, regulation areas, dedicated handling of coach passengers travelling through Tanger Med and Algeciras, as well as awareness campaigns. At the Marhaba ARM facility (Aire de Repos Méditerranée), travellers using the Tanger Med–Algeciras routes received dedicated assistance before accessing the port. From 18 August to 6 September, 14,360 passengers travelling on 258 coaches and 52 minibuses were assisted. The ARM also handled ticket processing in coordination with the shipping companies. Between 24 July and 5 September, 4,497 confirmations were processed at the ticket counters of ALM, DFDS, Baleària and Trasmediterránea. These arrangements helped distribute flows more effectively and streamline passengers’ journeys through to the final formalities before boarding.

Beyond flow management, Marhaba remains first and foremost a humanitarian assistance operation. Throughout the operation, Foundation teams — 1,134 social workers and 234 doctors and paramedical staff — were mobilised to respond to situations encountered by travellers and provide tailored assistance on a case-by-case basis. This mobilisation ensured a sustained presence on the ground and strengthened the capacity to respond to situations that were sometimes urgent or particularly challenging.

Among the situations requiring significant intervention by the Foundation was an accident that occurred in July on the Tangier–Kenitra highway, involving a coach carrying 45 Moroccans Residing Abroad from Italy. Twenty-five people received assistance at CHP El Idrissi. Five seriously injured passengers were followed up for ten days, while transport was arranged for the remaining passengers so that they could continue their journey.
In August, the Foundation also arranged transport for nearly 1,000 distressed passengers at the port of Algeciras, enabling them to resume their journey by bus to their country of residence. During the same month, Foundation teams intervened to facilitate the boarding of 25 vehicles belonging to Moroccans Living Abroad travelling to Genoa, which had remained stranded at the quay due to an issue with the management of vehicle parking areas on board the ship.
In September, the teams provided support to families following the death of two members of the community after their vehicle fell into the waters of the port of Algeciras. The assistance included administrative formalities and procedures related to the transfer of the deceased.

These situations illustrate the concrete nature of the Foundation’s intervention: maintaining a presence on the ground, responding swiftly, facilitating procedures and finding solutions when travellers encounter difficulties.

Through this mobilisation, Operation Marhaba reaffirms its core purpose: making reception and assistance a tangible expression of the Kingdom’s solidarity towards its citizens living abroad.

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