Spanish authorities expect that over 2.7 million Moroccans living abroad (MRE) and 700,000 vehicles will cross the Straits of Gibraltar during the ‘Transit-2006' operation, taking place from June 15- September 15.




Information centres will also be available in Oyarzun, near Guipuzcoa, Ribera de Cabanes (Castellon) and Villajoyosa (Alicante). Ph: Archives.

The Moroccan and Spanish governments are closely collaborating in the organisation of this operation in order to deal with the flow of Moroccan expatriates, which is expected to rise by 8% this summer, said a communiqué of the Spanish Ministry of Interior.

The release added that the Spanish authorities have adopted a “special civil protection plan” to facilitate the passage of the MRE through Spain.

The first phase of the ‘Transit-2006' operation will take place on June 15-Aug. 15. It is expected that the Algeciras, Almeria and Malaga ports will see the highest numbers of travellers.

The return phase will start on July 15, with the highest numbers crossing the Straits on August 24-26 and the weekends.

So in order to reduce the waiting time in the ports, especially in rush days, the Moroccan and Spanish authorities will launch a communication operation, distributing brochures and practical guides in Arabic, French, Spanish and English in the embassies and consulates.

They will also be distributed in places of worship and recreation spaces, and broadcast on TV and radio.


The social assistance team will be composed of 144 people, including social workers, translators, sociologists, psychologists, radio operators and protection civil agents.

A total of 34 doctors, 421 volunteers and nine ambulances will also be deployed.

On Wednesday, the Minister Delegate in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad, Nouzha Chekrouni, said that the MRE are a priority for Morocco, stressing that the kingdom has now a clear vision and a real strategy in this respect.

During the “Polémique” TV programme, broadcast on the second national TV channel 2M, the minister maintained that “Moroccans living abroad have enormously contributed to the democratic evolution that Morocco is witnessing.”

<<On Wednesday, the Minister Delegate in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad, Nouzha Chekrouni, said that the MRE are a priority for Morocco, stressing that the kingdom has now a clear vision and a real strategy in this respect.>>

What exactly is that vision ? Besides the 4 billion euros you're drewling on ? I'd love to know. Please M6, give us somebody else, that woman is a P.R disaster.