Morocco launches Operation Crossing the Strait 2024
Morocco launches this Wednesday the Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) or Operation Marhaba 2024, an initiative promoted by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity that aims to facilitate the arrival of Moroccans living abroad in the Kingdom during the summer.
This 24th edition will be held from 5 June to 15 September and is expected to mobilise 3.3 million people, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year.
In a recent statement, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity announced the activation of a comprehensive reception system on 5 June simultaneously in Morocco, France, Spain and Italy.
The OPE serves as a platform to provide support and assistance to members of the Moroccan community abroad during their arrivals and departures, integrating seamlessly with the measures implemented by the numerous actors involved in the execution of the operation.
To this end, the authorities have established 24 of the foundation's ‘Marhaba’ reception centres, strategically located throughout Morocco, Morocco World News reports. These sites offer a range of social assistance and medical care services, ensuring a smooth transition for Moroccans returning home during the summer season.
Within the Kingdom, there are 18 operational spaces spread across key ports such as Tangier Med, Tangier City, Al Hoceima and Nador, as well as major airports such as Casablanca Mohammed V, Rabat-Salé and Marrakech Menara.
Outside Morocco's borders, six ‘Marhaba’ spaces have been established in European ports, including Genoa in Italy, Sete and Marseille in France, and Motril, Almeria and Algeciras in Spain.
To further facilitate travel, the Central Coordination Bureau (CCB), based in Rabat and overseen by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, provides telephone assistance to travellers, monitors operational activities and ensures a timely response to requests.
For Moroccans who need assistance or have a query about the journey, the ‘Marhaba’ call service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the operation, with dedicated numbers for national and international calls.
In addition to the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, 19 other associations are working on the organisation of the OPE. This initiative entails a large logistical deployment, which is why a maritime fleet of 32 vessels from 7 maritime operators operating on 11 different shipping lines is expected to be assigned, offering a total capacity of more than 7 million passengers and 2 million vehicles, according to Le360 data.
The Moroccan authorities have improved port and airport infrastructures for the occasion, offering more comfort for passengers. In this sense, waiting areas, shaded areas or display and signalling systems have been installed.
As the North African country prepares to receive 3.3 million citizens, the arrival of more than 800,000 vehicles is also expected, which represents an increase of 6% compared to 2023, when around 642,000 were registered.