Spain moves to speed up return of migrants stranded in Ceuta

The Spanish government has taken measures to expedite the return of thousands of migrants still residing in Ceuta, following a large influx from Morocco in July. Over 70,000 migrants entered the North African enclave in late July, swimming or crossing on foot from neighboring Morocco, resulting in numerous deaths and heightened tensions within the EU regarding migration.

Currently, between 5% and 10% of the migrants, totaling 3,500 to 7,000 individuals, remain in Ceuta, including unaccompanied children who cannot be immediately deported. Local residents have raised concerns about insecurity and hygiene issues stemming from homeless migrants wandering the streets, accusing the central government of neglecting Ceuta.

Spanish authorities must determine the status of those remaining in Ceuta to identify those eligible for international protection or those requiring return procedures. This process has been criticized as inefficient by Ceuta's regional government, which supports the conservative Popular Party. To address this, Spain's cabinet approved the establishment of a single command for Ceuta, led by territorial policy minister Angel Víctor Torres.

The priority is to accelerate the return and repatriation of the maximum number of people, including adults and minors, while adhering to Spanish law and human rights standards. Torres emphasized that the government will continue providing humanitarian assistance to those seeking asylum or who are unaccompanied minors who cannot be returned.

In the meantime, the government announced plans to create reception centers capable of housing 1,800 migrants, aiming to restore normalcy in Ceuta. Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's other North African enclave, are the EU's sole land borders with Africa, governed by strict border controls. The migrants' situation has become a contentious political issue, with the Spanish government facing pressure from opposition parties and far-right groups demanding the return of all migrants, including minors, to Morocco.

However, Torres stressed that Spain must comply with international law, warning that those advocating for mass returns for political gain are misguided.