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On Wednesday, June 10, Moroccan and Spanish experts held a video conference meeting to discuss Operation Marhaba, a yearly operation launched years ago to welcome Moroccans living in Europe during the summer season. Spain and Morocco will have to meet in the coming days to further discuss the operation, in which Spain is one of the key routes with major points.
Because of the coronavirus health crisis, the two countries do not expect a massive return of Moroccans living abroad this season, compared to the previous years. The health crisis and the economic one triggered by Covid-19 have indeed affected the finances of Moroccans living in Europe. However, the Eid Al-Adha religious celebration, which is expected for the end of July, might encourage some families to head south this summer.
According to Spanish daily El Español, the operation will start on July 15. However, Ceuta and Melilla would not be part of this year’s operation. Borders with the two cities are to remain closed until October, the same source revealed. Well-informed sources within the Spanish Interior ministry revealed that they have prepared all the protocols for the possible launching of the operation, but cannot decide on a specific date.
Spanish Head of government Pedro Sanchez said on Sunday June 7, that his cabinet was working with countries of the European Union and of course with Morocco, on the possibility of launching the Operation this summer. For his part, Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska revealed, at the end of May, that the mixed Moroccan-Spanish commission, which oversees the preparation of this great annual meeting will meet soon.
Lively debate in Spain
It is clear that Operation Marhaba is at the heart of the political debate in Spain and divides political parties and unions. Indeed, the mayor of Algeciras, José Ignacio Landaluce, plans to request the presence of the Military Emergency Unit of the army at the port to ensure the crossing of Moroccans during the operation.
The Ciudadanos party, which openly demands the abolition of the Operation in the same way as the People’s Party, has requested the support of the European Commission and the High Representative for EU foreign policy, Josep Borrell, in Andalusia to ensure the operation. The European Union has suggested that its member states reopen their borders on July 1.
In Morocco, the head of government, Saad-Eddine El Othmani, avoided addressing the subject during his recent appearance on Wednesday June 10. The day before, in the House of Councilors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, was very reserved regarding the holding of Operation Marhaba 2020.
