On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Moroccan and Spanish authorities convened in Tangier for the 37th joint commission dedicated to preparing Operation Marhaba (known as OPE in Spain), the summer transit operation expected to manage over 3.5 million passengers. The meeting was co-chaired by the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics and the Spanish Ministry of Interior, with participation from various agencies including the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the National Ports Agency, and the Civil Protection authorities.
The operation aims to facilitate the transit of Moroccan residents living abroad and Spanish tourists during the summer months, focusing on maritime routes between the two countries. Key measures discussed include increasing ferry frequencies, enhancing port infrastructure, and deploying additional security and medical personnel at major ports such as Tangier Med, Algeciras, and Barcelona. The plan also involves coordination on border control, traffic management, and emergency response.
According to official statements, the 2026 edition of Operation Marhaba will run from June 15 to September 15, with peak traffic expected in July and August. The authorities anticipate processing over 3.5 million passengers and 800,000 vehicles through the Strait of Gibraltar, a slight increase from previous years. The commission also reviewed the success of the 2025 operation, which saw a 5% rise in passenger numbers compared to 2024.
Both sides emphasized the importance of digital tools to streamline procedures, including the use of the 'Marhaba' mobile app for real-time updates and pre-registration. The Spanish delegation highlighted the deployment of 1,200 additional police officers and 300 Red Cross volunteers at key transit points. The Moroccan side confirmed the mobilization of 2,000 staff from various ministries and the Mohammed V Foundation to assist travelers.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold a follow-up technical session in Madrid in September 2026 to evaluate the operation's outcomes. The joint commission has been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation on summer transit since its inception in 1986.
