Latest news with #Moroccan-Spanish
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Lamine Yamal named visa ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026
FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has been appointed the new global ambassador for Visa ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. To mark this symbolic milestone and build excitement around what promises to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, Visa will offer exclusive experiences to Visa cardholders. These include meet-and-greet opportunities with Lamine Yamal in Barcelona and signed memorabilia ahead of the 2026 tournament, according to a press release. «Lamine represents the future of football: bold, promising, and full of fresh energy», said Tarek Abdalla, Visa's Chief Marketing Officer for the CEMEA region. «At Visa, we are constantly looking for new ways to connect with fans through the power of sport. As Visa's FIFA World Cup ambassador, Lamine reflects the spirit and passion of the beautiful game, inspiring millions of fans worldwide». «Football is more than a sport, it's a source of joy and a way to bring people together across the world. I'm proud to team up with Visa to share that passion and inspire others through sport», said Yamal. A football prodigy, Lamine Yamal continues to captivate the global stage with record-breaking performances. Known for his agility, speed, and vision on the field, the Moroccan-Spanish player is widely regarded as a rising global star and a symbol of a new generation in football.
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Operation Marhaba 2025: 29 Ships Prepare for 3.5 Million Travelers
Doha – Morocco has finalized preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025, focusing on four key priorities: traffic flow management, strengthened security, proximity support, and enhanced health vigilance. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined these measures during a weekly oral questions session at the House of Councilors on Tuesday. The maritime component will feature 29 vessels from seven shipping companies operating 12 routes from ports in Italy, France, and Spain. Approximately MAD 28 million ($2.8 million) has been allocated to improve reception infrastructure at the Tanger-Med port. This year's operation anticipates an exceptional influx of approximately 3.5 million travelers, mainly Moroccans residing in Europe, representing a 4% increase from previous years. An estimated 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the strait this summer, marking a 5% increase. This rise may be linked to the Spanish government's regularization program, allowing thousands of migrants to normalize their status and travel. The operation will feature over 12,000 maritime crossings—an 84% increase compared to 2004. 'Security and safety will be reinforced through enhanced border control mechanisms,' Bourita said. The operation will deploy 24 reception centers—18 within Morocco and six abroad—along with additional human resources in accordance with royal instructions. Read also: Marhaba 2024: Nearly 1.9 Million Passengers Have Passed Through Moroccan Ports The 36th meeting of the Moroccan-Spanish joint commission, initially planned for Tangier but relocated to Cadiz, finalized coordination measures that will be implemented between June 15 and September 15. Consulates will maintain their traditional extended schedule during this period, including weekend and holiday service. Staff numbers will increase, and mobile consulates will be established 'to support this large-scale operation under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, benefiting three million citizens,' according to the minister. Health vigilance remains a priority with specialized teams positioned along routes and at rest areas. 'The goal is to improve this operation year after year, to meet His Majesty the King's ambition,' Bourita noted. A massive joint workforce of approximately 60,000 personnel will be mobilized across all sectors. Spanish authorities announced the recruitment of at least 29,000 people, while Morocco will deploy a similar number of participants, including official institutions, administrations, volunteers, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, and other stakeholders. Preparations have involved multiple meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Interior Ministry. Another Moroccan-Spanish meeting was held in Cadiz on May 29, along with various thematic sectoral meetings. Streamlined reentry for Moroccan expats The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) announced new facilities for Moroccan expatriates on May 28. Notably, Moroccans aged 60 and above who have lived abroad for at least ten years can now benefit from a 90% reduction on the value of imported vehicles. Provincial and Prefectural Customs Directors can now validate applications based on authenticated documents, including residence certificates, foreign ID cards with overseas addresses, or consular registration cards. The administration has also simplified procedures for returning expatriates, who can benefit from a three-year aging allowance on their vehicle's age, limited to one vehicle per person and once in a lifetime. Previously required two-year pay slips for employees or tax declarations for merchants are no longer necessary. In Ceuta, authorities have launched a mobile application called 'Embolsamiento Ceuta' to manage traffic flow toward Morocco. Available in Spanish, French, and English, the app provides real-time estimates of waiting times at the Tarajal border crossing. Users receive a digital ticket with a QR code required for entry and exit from the regulation area, with paper tickets available for those without smartphones. Ceuta has also increased staffing with up to ten agents daily working in three shifts. Infrastructure improvements include more shaded areas and new drinking water points. Traffic forecasts predict a 4% increase in travelers and 5% in vehicles compared to last year, despite a slight decline in personal car travel. Tags: Marhaba 2025Marhaba operationNasser Bourita
Maroc
04-06-2025
- Health
- Maroc
Operation Marhaba 2025 Focuses on Traffic Fluidity, Enhanced Security & Local Support
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said on Tuesday 03 June that Operation Marhaba 2025 is set to be mainly focused on ensuring traffic fluidity, enhancing security, providing local support and maintaining heightened health vigilance. Speaking during question time at the House of Councillors, Bourita stated that 29 ships belonging to seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes from the ports of Italy, France and Spain, adding that a budget of around MAD 28 million has been allocated to improve the reception infrastructure at the port of Tanger-Med. The minister also highlighted that security is set to be enhanced thanks to strengthened border control mechanisms, and that local support will be provided through 24 reception centers, including 18 in France and 6 abroad, in addition to the mobilization of additional human resources, on the High Royal Instructions. Bourita added that consulates will operate from June 15 to September 15, as usual, on a permanent basis (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), noting that staffing levels will be increased and mobile consulates will be set up "to support this large-scale operation, placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for the benefit of three million citizens." Health vigilance is also part of this general mobilization, with the presence of specialized teams on the roads and at rest areas, he added, emphasizing that "the aim is to improve this operation year on year, so as to live up to the ambition of His Majesty the King." Bourita also recalled that preparations for this large-scale, unparalleled operation included several meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the organization of a Moroccan-Spanish meeting in Cadiz on May 29, in addition to thematic sectoral meetings. (MAP: 04 June 2025)
Ya Biladi
04-06-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : Morocco boosts security, infrastructure, and health measures for smooth transit
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, announced on Tuesday at the House of Councillors that Operation Marhaba 2025 will primarily focus on ensuring smooth traffic flow, enhancing security and safety, providing close support, and maintaining heightened health vigilance. Speaking during the weekly oral questions session, Bourita stated that 29 ships from seven maritime companies will operate 12 routes from ports in Italy, France, and Spain. He added that a budget of approximately 28 million dirhams has been allocated to improve the reception infrastructure at the Tanger-Med port. The minister also emphasized that security and safety will be bolstered through enhanced border control mechanisms, while close support will be provided via 24 reception centers, including 18 within the country and 6 abroad. This will be in addition to the mobilization of additional human resources, in accordance with royal instructions. Furthermore, Bourita noted that consulates will operate from June 15 to September 15, as usual, with on-call services (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), highlighting that staff numbers will be increased and mobile consulates will be established. Health vigilance is also part of this comprehensive mobilization, with specialized teams present on roads and in rest areas, he continued, emphasizing that "the goal is to improve this operation year after year, to meet the ambitions of His Majesty the King." Bourita also recalled that preparations for this large-scale and unprecedented operation include several meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Ministry of the Interior, as well as a Moroccan-Spanish meeting held on May 29 in Cadiz, in addition to thematic sectoral meetings.
Maroc
30-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco, Spain Sign MoUs For Four Catalan Projects of 500 Million MAD Investment
Four memorandums of understanding were signed on Wednesday in Rabat to implement investment projects totaling 500 million Moroccan dirhams (MAD), spearheaded by Catalan companies. Concluded during a meeting between Morocco's Minister Delegate for Investment, Convergence, and Policy Evaluation, Karim Zidane, and a large delegation of Catalan companies led by Josep Sánchez Llibre, President of Foment del Treball—the main employers' confederation of Catalonia—these agreements pertain to projects expected to create over 700 direct jobs in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, and Kenitra. These projects span various sectors, including the automotive industry, waste recovery, packaging, and construction materials, reflecting Morocco's ability to turn exchanges into concrete, job-creating initiatives for its youth. As part of efforts to strengthen Moroccan-Spanish economic relations, the meeting provided an opportunity for Zidane to highlight Morocco's exceptional investment appeal and to emphasize the Kingdom's ambition, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to become a competitive and sustainable regional hub. The commitment of the Catalan companies, he noted, confirms the relevance of this trajectory, adding that the four projects reflect the willingness of these companies to contribute to Morocco's industrial development. According to him, these investments are the result of an increasingly attractive business climate, made possible by reforms undertaken by Morocco (including simplification of procedures, digitalization, and the strengthening of regional investment centers). For his part, Foment del Treball President Josep Sánchez Llibre expressed his satisfaction with the warm welcome extended to the Catalan business delegation, which came to explore investment opportunities in such a strategically important country as the Kingdom of Morocco. He highlighted the determination of these companies to strengthen their presence in Morocco, noting that these investment projects mark the beginning of a lasting and structured commitment to mutually beneficial economic development. "Catalan investments will continue to flow into Morocco. I can already announce that within a year, we will return with a new delegation of around twenty Catalan companies to explore further investment opportunities," he said. Furthermore, the Spanish Ambassador to Rabat, Enrique Ojeda Vila, welcomed the mission of the delegation, which contributes to consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries. In addition to their geographical proximity, Spain and Morocco are each other's main economic and trade partners, Ojeda Vila noted. MAP:29 mai 2025
