Morocco is witnessing a significant rise in arrivals for Operation Marhaba 2025, as more than 1.3 million travelers have crossed into the country by sea—contradicting widespread online claims that participation by Moroccans living abroad is declining.
According to figures released by the Spanish Civil Protection Agency, over 1.13 million passengers and 280,000 vehicles had made the journey across the Mediterranean by July 27, marking increases of 3.7% and 3.8% respectively compared to the same period last year.
One of the busiest travel days was Saturday, July 27, which saw over 36,000 passengers and nearly 9,000 vehicles depart from Spanish ports bound for Moroccan shores.
The ports of Motril, Algeciras, and Tarifa operated at full capacity, with ferries running continuously and logistics teams ensuring smooth processing despite heavy flows.
During a visit to the Port of Tarifa in early July, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska highlighted the upward trend, announcing a 5.6% increase in passengers and a 6.9% rise in vehicles compared to 2024.
These indicators suggest that the total number of crossings this summer may surpass the 3.4 million recorded last year—the highest figure since the operation began in 1986.
The growth in participation reflects coordinated logistical enhancements made by both Spanish and Moroccan authorities, including improved reception infrastructure, tightened traffic controls, and reinforced safety protocols at key embarkation points.
Authorities have also addressed viral misinformation circulating on platforms like TikTok, which falsely depicted ferries as empty. Officials reaffirm that the operation is not only on track but is experiencing record numbers.
“Marhaba remains one of the largest human mobility operations between two continents,” a Moroccan transport official stated, urging the public to rely on verified information.
As the summer migration season reaches its peak, Operation Marhaba 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring connection between Moroccans abroad and their homeland—underscored by robust turnout and carefully managed coordination across borders.
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