More than 12,000 Moroccans residing abroad have departed Morocco for their host countries through the port of Al Hoceïma, according to data from the port.
During the return phase of Operation Marhaba, over 11,000 passengers and 2,800 vehicles passed through the port.
The substantial increase in the number of Moroccans returning to their foreign countries is attributed, in part, to the conclusion of the summer vacation season, Adil El Bardi, Director of the Al Hoceima port, said.
El Bardi underscored the port’s ongoing popularity among Moroccans from around the world returning to their homeland.
Since the start of Operation Marhaba until August 18, the port of Al Hoceima has welcomed over 25,000 passengers and 6,300 vehicles.
El Bardi also emphasized the substantial increase in the volume of passengers and vehicles transiting through the Al Hoceima port in 2023. A staggering 42 trips have been recorded so far, compared to 31 during the same period in the previous year.
To ensure the success of Operation Marhaba 2023, El Bardi assured that all human and logistical resources of the port have been fully mobilized.
The operation, which is scheduled to continue until September 15, aims to guarantee a smooth transition of travelers from Europe to Morocco.
The 2023 operation Marhaba broke previous records, with over 700,000 passengers and approximately 176,000 vehicles crossing from Spanish ports to Morocco.
The number of vehicles marks a 3.3% increase compared to the same period last year when the total stood at just over 170,000 vehicles.