Speaking during the oral question session at the House of Advisors, Bourita pointed out that the date for the start of the operation, 4 June, had already passed. The operation must therefore be considered in the light of the current circumstances, he said, noting that first of all the conditions under which it is taking place are lacking today.

The other consideration, the minister added, relates to borders whose exact opening date is not yet known.

Also, he raised the issue of the opening of the borders of the countries through which expatriates transit, a matter that remains unclear whether it concerns the borders between Spain and France or between Italy and France, among others.

 He concluded that the Marhaba operation will have to be dealt with on the basis of all these considerations, which are closely linked to the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.