Morocco is expecting a 5 to 7 percent increase in the number of returning Moroccan expatriates this summer as part of the annual “Operation Marhaba,” Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced Tuesday.
Speaking before the House of Councillors, Bourita outlined extensive logistical, security, and consular measures to ensure a smooth return for the Moroccan diaspora, highlighting the operation’s focus on “fluidity, safety, and close support.”
This year, 29 ferries from seven different companies will operate across 12 sea routes connecting Morocco with Italy, France, and Spain. Significant infrastructure upgrades are underway at the Tanger Med port, backed by a budget of 28 billion dirhams, Bourita said.
Ensuring security at entry points is also a top priority. Bourita said resources have been mobilized to bolster border control operations. In addition, 24 reception centers—18 in Morocco and six abroad—will be activated to support travelers, staffed with specially trained personnel.
To further support Moroccans abroad, consular services will operate extended hours between June 15 and September 15, including weekends. Temporary staff will reinforce consulates, and mobile consular units will be deployed to meet demand.
Responding to lawmakers’ concerns about handling complaints from the Moroccan diaspora, Bourita said the ministry processed 1,345 formal complaints through its digital portal in 2024. These ranged from consular service issues to personal status, civil and criminal matters, and economic or property-related disputes.
He emphasized that the ministry acts within its jurisdiction but coordinates with other relevant bodies—including the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad and the Ombudsman Institution—for cases that fall outside its purview.
On the question of engaging the expertise of Moroccans living abroad, Bourita noted their strategic importance. According to data from the OECD, approximately 2.5 million Moroccans live in member countries, with around 500,000 holding advanced academic degrees.
“There are about 50,000 Moroccan students enrolled in top-tier research institutions,” he said, highlighting the creation of a talent network segmented by geographic area—such as Moroccans in Canada or France—and by professional field, including networks for doctors, lawyers, and journalists.
Despite existing initiatives, Bourita acknowledged more work is needed, echoing King Mohammed VI’s November 6 address which called for a “clear and integrated mechanism” to attract overseas talent. The goal, he said, is to facilitate the contributions of Moroccan professionals abroad without requiring permanent relocation.
“This mechanism must be data-driven and allow regular communication, making it easier to harness these skills for national development,” he concluded.
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