Marhaba 2026: More Than 2.7 Million Moroccans Abroad Reportedly Welcomed as Official Mobilisation Continues

The number, if formally confirmed by the relevant institutions, reflects the scale of the summer return and the enduring attachment of Moroccans abroad to their homeland, despite rising travel costs, long distances and congestion at certain ports and border crossings.

It is important, however, to distinguish between figures published directly by official institutions and statistics communicated to media outlets by officials involved in the operation.

Official Mobilisation in Morocco and Europe

Operation Marhaba 2026 officially began on June 10 under the effective presidency of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.

The official reception system includes 26 support centres, with 20 located in Morocco and six in European countries, particularly France, Spain and Italy.

These centres are positioned at major ports, airports, rest areas and border points used by Moroccans abroad during their outward and return journeys.

Around 1,400 staff members have also been mobilised, including social workers, doctors, nurses, volunteers and coordination teams providing social, medical and humanitarian assistance.

A Strong Summer Return to the Kingdom

Figures reported in the media indicate that arrivals by Moroccans abroad exceeded 2.7 million people by the beginning of August.

This level of movement confirms that returning to Morocco remains a major annual event for millions of families living overseas.

It is more than a holiday journey. It is an opportunity to reunite with relatives, renew ties with the homeland and introduce younger generations to their culture, identity and family roots.

Arrivals are taking place through both ports and airports, with significant traffic reported at Tanger Med, Nador and Tangier City, as well as at the airports of Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Nador and Rabat.

However, the detailed breakdown still requires a fully published official statement before it can be treated as a final institutional assessment.

Operation Marhaba Is About More Than Passenger Numbers

The importance of Operation Marhaba is not limited to managing millions of passengers and vehicles.

The system also provides social and medical support, emergency assistance, traveller guidance and help for families facing difficulties during their journey.

A central coordination unit operates from Rabat, alongside permanent communication and assistance services throughout the operation.

This mobilisation reflects the special attention given to Moroccans abroad and the Kingdom’s commitment to improving their reception and travel conditions during the summer season.

Preparing Early for the Return Phase

As the summer holiday period approaches its end, ports and airports are expected to face renewed pressure during the return journey to countries of residence.

Moroccans abroad are therefore advised to confirm their bookings, check departure times, allow extra travel time and rely on information issued by authorities, ports, airports and transport operators.

It is also important to verify the source of any number or update before sharing it, especially during periods of congestion when inaccurate information can spread quickly on social media.

Operation Marhaba 2026 once again highlights the depth of the relationship between Moroccans abroad and the Kingdom.

The reported return of more than 2.7 million people reflects the strength of that connection and the continued place of Morocco in the lives of its citizens overseas.

Journalistic accuracy nevertheless requires every figure to be presented with its source and level of confirmation until a detailed official assessment is published.

Operation Marhaba is not simply a seasonal movement of travellers. It is a national meeting point that brings together Moroccans at home and abroad through family, belonging and the return to the homeland.