Omar Moussa Abdellah, head of the medical-humanitarian center at the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, has hailed the 24th edition of Operation Marhaba as both “successful” and “exceptional.”
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), he noted an 18.84% increase in the return of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) compared to the previous year.
This year’s operation facilitated the return of approximately 3.76 million MREs to Morocco between June 5 and September 15. Abdellah highlighted that 52% of these returns were made via maritime routes, particularly through the Spanish enclaves of Sebta and Melilla.
During the same period, around 3.51 million MREs departed Morocco, showcasing the effective coordination among local authorities, national security, the Royal Gendarmerie, Customs, and officials at ports and airports. Abdellah described the operation as running in a “fluid, exemplary, and successful” manner.
He also emphasized the Foundation’s efforts to streamline travel procedures, including efficient passport stamping and customs control. Medical, paramedical, and social assistance teams were mobilized to support travelers, particularly given the high summer temperatures experienced across Morocco.
A significant addition this year was the introduction of remote medical examination services at the ports of Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, and Beni Ansar. These services allowed for the early detection of urgent medical cases among chronically ill travelers, who were then transferred to nearby hospitals, including the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Tangier.
Furthermore, the Foundation provided social, legal, and administrative assistance to over 155,000 travelers at border points and rest areas, particularly in Fnideq and Nador, while also aiding MREs whose trips were postponed or canceled.
Abdellah concluded by stating that the success of Operation Marhaba 2024 serves as motivation for the Foundation to enhance its services for Moroccans worldwide in the years to come.
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