Soaring Boat Ticket Prices Hinder Return of MREs This Summer
Thousands of Moroccan families living abroad are considering not returning to the country this summer due to the exorbitant increase in the price of boat tickets. This concern was hotly discussed during a parliamentary session where MPs expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction.
Parliamentary Concerns
MPs criticized the Ministry of Transport and Logistics for failing to regulate boat ticket prices, a decision that particularly affects Moroccans living abroad, a major source of foreign currency for the country. Hassan Tabii, from the Authenticity and Modernity party, challenged Minister Mohamed Abdeljalil on the implementation of royal directives aimed at strengthening the national maritime fleet and reducing dependence on foreign companies.
Tabii highlighted a significant increase in ticket prices, reaching between 300 and 800 euros, an increase of 30 to 50%, especially on lines monopolized by certain shipping companies. He urged the government to act quickly to address this situation.
Saloua Damnati, representative of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, recalled that financial transfers from Moroccans around the world to Morocco exceeded 100 billion dirhams in 2023. She advocated for a reduction in boat ticket prices to support this diaspora, also highlighting the high costs of flights between Morocco and Canada, which exceed $2,000 per ticket and thus limit family visits.
Damnati called on the minister to respond to price reduction demands that have remained unanswered for years, urging the government to adopt a more understanding approach towards Moroccans around the world.
In response to the criticism, Minister Abdeljalil explained that financial transfers from the Moroccan diaspora do not directly contribute to state revenues, but are instead used for the purchase of real estate and family support. This statement provoked strong reactions among MPs, with some contesting this interpretation based on national financial reports that include these transfers in the calculation of GDP.
Response from Minister Abdeljalil
Abdeljalil tried to calm the spirits by qualifying his remarks as mere personal points of view, insisting that differences of opinion are normal in a democracy. Regarding the increase in air and sea transport prices, he stressed that international costs have increased since 2019.
The minister concluded by saying that the government is seriously considering the issue of reducing tariffs for Moroccans residing abroad, suggesting that measures could be taken to open the market or regulate prices.
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