# Morocco Operation Marhaba 2026 diaspora movement > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-operation-marhaba-2026-diaspora-movement > Updated: 2026-08-24T14:59:06.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 5. Operation Marhaba 2026 has facilitated the arrival of approximately 3.5 million Moroccans residing abroad since its launch on June 10, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year. As of late August, arrivals have been split nearly evenly between maritime routes (51.31%) and air travel (48.69%). The operation has now entered its second phase, focusing on the return of the diaspora following the summer holidays. To manage this transition and prevent congestion, Tanger Med Port has implemented a ‘closed ticket’ system. Tanger Med Central Director Jaafar Amayyar has advised travelers to ensure their tickets include specific dates and times before arriving at the port, urging those with open tickets to confirm bookings via maritime companies' digital platforms to avoid delays. To support this departure phase, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity is operating the ‘Mediterraneo’ rest area near the port entrance. This facility serves as a pre-departure hub where travelers can finalize administrative procedures and manage commercial transactions. As of August 23, the operation has provided medical and social assistance to over 50,000 people. As the summer season concludes, travel patterns are shifting toward departures from Morocco. To manage congestion, particularly for travelers heading to Spain via Algeciras, authorities have implemented a temporary reception system for motorists and bus passengers active from August 18 through September 6. This system allows travelers to verify tickets and register before reaching the port. Approximately 4,000 tour bus passengers have already utilized this measure, which employs automatic license plate recognition and designated waiting areas to reduce waiting times for customs and passport controls. Beyond passenger management, Tanger Med is expanding its industrial and logistical capabilities. Maersk has launched a new integrated rail service connecting Tangier and Casablanca, an intermodal solution designed to alleviate congestion at the Port of Casablanca. ## Claims - The Marhaba 2026 operation at Tanger Med is facilitating the return of Moroccan expatriates. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Moroccan authorities have intensified monitoring of Tunisian and Algerian citizens entering the kingdom. (single source) - Authorities are requesting proof of temporary visits, including hotel reservations and return tickets. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Morocco records 3.5 million arrivals from abroad Morocco recorded over 3.5 million arrivals from abroad, with over half arriving by sea. Authorities are using temporary reception points to manage heavy summer departure traffic through Tanger Med. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-records-35-million-arrivals-from-abroad ### 2026-08-23: Tanger Med manages passenger peaks and expands rail logistics Tanger Med is managing high passenger volumes for the Marhaba 2026 return operation while Maersk launches a new Tangier-Casablanca rail service to reduce port congestion in Morocco. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanger-med-port-reports-smooth-transit-for-moroccan-diaspora ### 2026-08-22: Morocco implements new migration controls and receives EU support Morocco is tightening entry regulations for certain nationalities, receiving increased EU migration funding, and managing the Marhaba 2026 expatriate return operation at Tanger Med. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-implements-new-migration-controls-and-receives-eu-support ### 2026-08-21: Tanger Med Port manages return of Moroccan diaspora via Marhaba 2026 Morocco's Marhaba 2026 operation is managing the return of expatriates via Tanger Med Port using a closed ticket system and Mohammed V Foundation facilities to ensure smooth passenger transit. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanger-med-port-prepares-for-peak-return-of-moroccan-diaspora ### 2026-08-21: Morocco reports 3.5 million arrivals for Operation Marhaba 2026 Over 3.5 million Moroccans living abroad have arrived in Morocco for Operation Marhaba 2026, marking a 1.1% increase from last year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-reports-35-million-arrivals-for-operation-marhaba-2026 --- Cite as: Morocco Operation Marhaba 2026 diaspora movement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/morocco-operation-marhaba-2026-diaspora-movement