Operation Marhaba

The summer holidays are an opportunity for the five million Moroccans who live abroad to return to the kingdom. Their plans include family reunions, enjoying traditional dishes, outings in the imperial cities and visits to natural sites.

Those who choose to travel with La Méridionale between Marseille and Morocco can take advantage of the Marhaba programme. Initiated by Mohammed VI in 2001 and implemented by his foundation, this humanitarian assistance action allows people to receive support from doctors, social workers and volunteers when departing from Marseille and arriving at the port of Tangier.

Marhaba: an operation to help morocans living abroad return to their homeland

In Arabic, Marhaba means welcome. This term, which evokes the hospitality and conviviality so dear to Moroccan culture, designates the welcome and assistance measures intended for Moroccans living abroad (MREs) returning to the land of the setting sun for their vacations.

The Mohamed V Foundation for Solidarity organizes and oversees the operations. The organization, founded in 1998 by Mohamed VI, is dedicated to helping the underprivileged and providing humanitarian aid in emergency situations. It operates in fields as varied as education, health, disability and the fight against insecurity.

To carry out its missions, the institution relies on its own resources and forges partnerships with civil society. For example, during Operation Marhaba, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Customs and Indirect Taxation Administration and the National Ports Agency work alongside banks, shipping companies and airlines.

The various reception programs and sites

Marhaba aims to make it easier for Moroccans living abroad to travel during the summer and to improve their reception conditions. While all MREs are concerned, particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, disabled or sick people.

Marhaba reception program: sites in Europe

In Europe, six reception points have been set up in the ports from which ferries leave for Morocco.

In France, two ports are taking part: Marseille, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, and Sète, in the Hérault. If you bought your ferry ticket to Morocco on board a La Méridionale ship, you'll benefit from the Marhaba scheme when you board in Marseille.

Marhaba reception facility: national sites

In Morocco, 18 sites are open to welcome nationals entering the kingdom by sea, road or air.

Among them, the ports of Tangier-Med, Tangier Ville, Al Hoceïma and Nador Beni Ansar. La Méridionale ferries to Morocco from Barcelona and Marseille are bound for Tangier Med. You can therefore request assistance from the Fondation Mohamed V for solidarity for help when you arrive.

The Marhaba operation in a few figures

The return of the diaspora is a real logistical challenge. The five million Moroccan expatriates account for half of the country's tourist flows. An added challenge is that their trips are concentrated over a few weeks. On average, 4,500 vehicles and 35,000 people cross the border every day.

Every year, 1,000 volunteers and helpers mobilize for Marhaba. Social workers, doctors and paramedical staff take care of three million Moroccans who make use of the progam.

Last year, the teams answered 110,000 requests for information and provided social or medical assistance to 180,000 of their compatriots. 60,000 citizens were offered administrative, legal or transport assistance.