** DECOUVREZ MAROC
More than 2.74 million Moroccans living abroad (MREs) have returned to Morocco as part of the Marhaba 2026 operation as of August 3, representing a 0.45 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to Omar Moussa Abdellah, Project Manager and Supervisor of the operation at the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. Speaking during the Obour programme broadcast by Radio Tanger Med, Abdellah stated that a total of 2,741,570 travelers had entered the Kingdom since the launch of this year’s operation. The number of vehicles entering Morocco reached 287,518, marking a 12.43 percent decline compared with 2025. The decrease was mainly attributed to the growing trend of shared travel, as many members of the Moroccan diaspora opted for carpooling due to rising transportation costs. Maritime transport remained the primary gateway into the Kingdom, accounting for 1,430,811 passengers, or 52.19 percent of all arrivals. Tanger Med Port handled 512,693 passengers, representing 57.5 percent of all sea arrivals, followed by Nador Port with 200,013 passengers and Tangier City Port with 168,240 passengers. Air travel also recorded strong activity, with Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca receiving 333,490 passengers, ahead of Marrakech Menara Airport (225,086), Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (167,147), Nador Airport (119,487) and Rabat-Salé Airport (119,452). Overall, 1,310,759 travelers entered Morocco by air. Officials highlighted the continued mobilization of all stakeholders involved in the Marhaba operation to ensure smooth transit, efficient reception and high-quality services for Moroccans residing abroad during the summer travel season. Jaâfar Aamyar, Central Director of Tanger Med Port, noted that the facility experienced its busiest period in recent days. On August 2, the port welcomed 31,917 passengers and 8,612 vehicles, representing increases of 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively, compared with the same day in 2025. Despite the heavy traffic, the average departure time from the port did not exceed 15 minutes, thanks to close coordination between the National Police, Customs Administration and all operational partners. Looking ahead to the return phase of the operation, authorities will introduce a confirmed ticket system, requiring passengers to travel with tickets specifying an exact departure date and time. Moroccan expatriates are encouraged to plan their return journeys in advance and verify all travel arrangements to ensure smooth and efficient crossings.
