The first phase of Operation Marhaba 2022, which started on June 15, ended on August 15. During this outward phase, a total of 1,430,340 MREs (13.3% less compared to 2019) and 349,735 vehicles (9.7% less) reached Morocco via Spanish ports.
This first phase took place without major incidents. Peak periods were noted in late June-early July, coinciding with the Eid al-Adha holiday.
The port of Algeciras absorbed 61% (2.8% less than in 2019) of total traffic, with 870,109 MREs embarking from this port to Morocco. The port of Almeria recorded 17% of flows, far ahead of Tarifa (12%) and the other Spanish ports (Motril, Malaga, Alicante and Valencia) which recorded flows of less than 5%.
As for the port of Sebta, it recorded the passage of 23% of MRE, 3.9% more than in 2019. On the other hand, Melilla remained almost at the same level as in 2019, with a flow of MRE by 12%.
The return phase has already started and will end on September 15. As of August 15, 509,459 MREs have returned from Morocco, which represents an increase of 24.6% compared to the same dates in 2019, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
