The departure phase for Moroccans residing abroad, returning to their countries of residence as part of the “Marhaba 2026” operation, is proceeding smoothly, particularly at Tanger Med port. Supervised by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the operation is characterized by efficient transit processes.
The departure assistance system at Tanger Med, established at the Mediterranean Rest Area (ARM) and operated by the foundation, effectively manages passenger flows. It processes travelers arriving by buses and private vehicles before they reach the port.
Launched on August 18 and scheduled to run until September 6, the system at the ARM integrates teams from various shipping companies operating between Tanger Med and Algeciras. It also includes personnel from the Tanger Med Port Authority, who oversee boarding procedures, including the “confirmed ticket” system.
At the rest area, before proceeding to the port, Moroccans Residing Abroad (MREs) can process their tickets, complete administrative procedures, conduct commercial transactions, confirm their departure date and time, and check in.
To date, the passenger assistance system for buses passing through Tanger Med has aided 3,961 passengers traveling on 72 buses and 11 minibuses to their countries of residence via maritime connections between Tanger Med and Algeciras.
Close coordination between the rest area and the port enables accurate assessment of passenger and vehicle flows based on departure schedules. This streamlines the process for MREs reaching the port and completing final inspection procedures by customs, police, and border control services.
At Tanger Med port, MAP observed on Sunday that access was smooth due to the system, significantly reducing the time required for passenger checks, particularly passport verification and vehicle customs inspections. This efficiency is attributed to the continuous mobilization of the various services involved.
Digitalization and the optical character recognition (OCR) system, installed and operated by the Tanger Med Port Authority for vehicle transit, have also expedited vehicle inspections by officers from the Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration, thereby reducing waiting times before boarding.
Speaking to MAP, several MREs lauded the on-site assistance and the social and medical support provided through the “Marhaba 2026” operation. They particularly highlighted the foundation’s 26 reception areas, including six abroad and 20 in Morocco.
They also commended the departure assistance system at Tanger Med, noting its significant role in easing port access. The time taken to reach the boarding quay from the port entrance has not exceeded 45 minutes.
This system is part of a broader set of measures implemented under the supervision of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, in coordination with various stakeholders. These measures include the development of traffic management areas near ports, dedicated lanes for vehicles carrying MRE families, and the use of the “confirmed ticket” system.
With approximately 1,400 social workers, doctors, and nurses mobilized by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, alongside staff from various institutions and administrations participating in the operation, “Marhaba 2026” is proceeding smoothly.
A total of 50,399 people have received medical and social assistance from foundation teams. This includes 6,062 who received medical care, 2,373 who received assistance with customs procedures, and 478 who received transport assistance.
As of August 22, the “Marhaba” operation had recorded the arrival of 3,539,761 MREs, with 51.25% traveling by sea.
