The A-66 motorway, one of the main roads used each summer by Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) to reach Morocco, is one of the most affected by the cancellation of the Marhaba Operation 2021.
The cancellation of Operation Marhaba by Morocco, for the second consecutive time, is "a disaster" for thousands of people, lamented on Monday, José Ignacio Landaluce, the mayor of Algeciras.
While Spain has accused Morocco of "aggression" and "blackmail" following the massive influx of migrants to Ceuta, it seems to be allowing a significant amount of drugs to flow. The Moroccan security services, in particular the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), seized a large quantity of psychotropic tablets and cocaine from the port of Algeciras on Friday.
A Baleària company ship will repatriate on Thursday, April 22, the Spaniards and Spanish residents stranded in Morocco, from the port of Tanger Med to the port of Algeciras.
Drug traffickers have stepped up operations in recent weeks between Morocco and Spain. In an attempt to put an end to this, or at least mark the police presence, a large-scale operation was carried out this Wednesday in Algeciras, mobilizing some 250 agents.
After a first repatriation ship that left on Monday, two other ships will repatriate this week 2,300 Spaniards or Spanish residents stranded in Morocco after the suspension of flights with Spain and France decided on March 30 by the Moroccan authorities. In total, 3,800 people will leave Morocco.
Morocco is gearing up for the organization of the Marhaba Operation 2021, after the cancellation of last year’s edition for health reasons. The authorities would opt for the passage of Moroccans living abroad by sea.
A first wave of Spaniards stranded in Morocco after the suspension of flights with Spain have just been repatriated to Algeciras via a Balearia ferry.
The President of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), Gerardo Landaluce, presented the "Hercules Project", which aims to strengthen the links with the port of Tanger Med in 2021 and 2022.
Pending the official announcement by Morocco and Spain of the organization of Operation Marhaba 2021, the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) is already preparing for its implementation under good conditions.
The President of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), Gerardo Landaluce, hopes that the Marhaba Operation will take place this year, despite the ongoing health crisis.
Over the past two decades, Morocco has strengthened the infrastructure of the port of Tanger Med, making it a formidable competitor to the port of Algeciras. Today, the Moroccan port is ranked first in containers transported throughout the Mediterranean.