A Moroccan residing in Switzerland denounces the bad practices of a company specializing in maritime transport, which monopolizes the maritime link between the port of Tangier and Marseille in France, GNV to name it. Not to mention the high cost of boat tickets and the poor treatment reserved for Moroccans residing abroad (MREs).
The Operation Passage of the Strait (OPE) or the Marhaba operation for Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) seems to be coming to an end, although the official closing date is set for September 15. This annual operation, which facilitates travel between Europe and Morocco, traditionally experiences a peak of activity during the summer holidays.
As of July 28, 1,179,325 Moroccans from Europe and 291,673 vehicles have joined Morocco via Spanish ports as part of Operation Marhaba, representing an increase of 9.3% and 11.7% respectively compared to the same period last year.
Hundreds of Moroccans from Europe experienced hell on Sunday at Melilla, forced to wait more than nine hours before crossing the border and returning to Morocco.
Some 20,573 Moroccans from Europe and 5,578 vehicles transited through the port of Motril since the start of Operation Marhaba on June 13, representing a decrease of 23% and 18% respectively compared to the same period last year.
The maritime ferry transport company Africa Morocco Link (AML) intends to contribute to the success of the Marhaba operation marking the return of Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) to Morocco. It has "put in place a reinforced system, with a new line offering a diversified and adapted offer to the needs of travelers".
The Office of Exchange is committed to welcoming Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) this summer and to giving them special attention as part of its 2022-2026 strategic action plan. This is at least what Driss Bencheikh, its acting director general, affirmed.
Moroccans living abroad (MREs) continue to denounce the exorbitant rise in the prices of plane and boat tickets, blaming the government and in particular the Ministry of Transport and Logistics for its "negligence in the face of this recurring problem".
The shipping company GNV has canceled its routes to Morocco at the last minute, angering Moroccans in Europe who had chosen to return to Morocco by sea this summer as part of the Marhaba Operation.
In recent years, many Moroccan tourists have flocked to Salamanca (Castile and León) during the summer season. These are mainly Moroccans living in Europe who make a stop in the city located in northwestern Spain before returning to Morocco to spend their summer vacation.
The summer vacation turns into a nightmare for some Moroccans living abroad. The return to the country is transformed into an ordeal at the Melilla border. Endless queues, exasperated travelers, crying children... The picture is far from idyllic.
Salwa Demnati, a socialist (opposition) deputy, denounced the rise in Royal Air Maroc ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad who wish to spend their summer holidays in Morocco, accusing the company of charging high prices while it benefits from annual subsidies from the State.