Operation return of MREs: chaos and frustration

Crossing the border between Morocco and Melilla at Beni Ansar is a real obstacle course for Moroccans living abroad (MRE) who want to return to their country of residence after the end of their summer vacation in Morocco.

Endless lines of vehicles can be seen at the Beni Ansar border post in these last days of August, coinciding with the return of Moroccan MREs to their countries of residence as part of Operation Marhaba. Traffic is blocked at this border crossing between Nador and Melilla, forcing MREs, as well as residents of the autonomous city returning from Morocco for the weekend, to spend more than ten hours waiting before crossing the border.