More than 2.74 million Moroccans living abroad have returned to the Kingdom since the launch of the annual Marhaba 2026 operation, marking a slight increase compared with the same period last year, according to the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.
Speaking on Radio Tanger Med's Obour program on Tuesday, Omar Moussa Abdellah, project manager and supervisor of the Marhaba operation, said 2,741,570 expatriates had entered Morocco by August 3, up 0.45% from the corresponding period in 2025.
The annual Marhaba operation is one of the world's largest seasonal transit programs, facilitating the return of millions of Moroccans residing abroad—mainly from Europe—for summer holidays and family visits.
Moussa Abdellah said 287,518 vehicles had entered Morocco during the same period, representing a 12.43% decline compared with last year. He attributed the decrease to a growing number of travelers choosing to share vehicles in response to higher travel costs.
Sea travel remained the preferred mode of transport, with 1,430,811 passengers arriving through Moroccan ports, accounting for 52.19% of all arrivals recorded during the operation.
Tanger Med Port handled the largest share, receiving 512,693 travelers, or 35.89% of all sea arrivals. It was followed by Nador Port, which welcomed 200,013 passengers, and Tanger Ville Port, with 168,240 arrivals.
Air travel accounted for 1,310,759 arrivals, with Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca receiving the highest number of passengers.
The airport welcomed 333,490 travelers, representing 25.44% of all air arrivals. It was followed by Marrakech-Menara Airport with 225,086 passengers, Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport with 167,147, Nador Airport with 119,487, and Rabat-Salé Airport with 119,452.
Moussa Abdellah said all institutions involved in the Marhaba operation remain fully mobilized to ensure smooth transit and quality services for Moroccans living abroad returning to visit their families during the summer season.
Coordinated by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Marhaba operation brings together Moroccan authorities, transport operators, security services, and humanitarian organizations to facilitate one of the Mediterranean's busiest annual passenger movements.
