España recurre a las redes sociales para desalentar las entradas irregulares a Ceuta y Melilla

Spain is using social media to discourage irregular entries into Ceuta and Melilla. The campaign reminds that entering these Spanish autonomous cities irregularly does not grant access to the Peninsula, permanent residency in Spain, or free movement throughout the European Union. The Spanish Embassy in Rabat has shared a social media campaign to deter irregular crossings at Ceuta and Melilla, aligning with previous messages from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs during heightened tension over new calls for massive entries into the Spanish enclaves.

Entering Spain through Ceuta and Melilla without proper documentation does not entitle individuals to access the Peninsula, reside in Spain, or freely move across the rest of the European Union, the embassy's X account stated. The campaign also cautions against misinformation, as clarified by the recent Supreme Court ruling on procedures for those entering by sea.

It remains consistent across the Spanish consulates' accounts in the Maghreb region. Ceuta and Melilla operate under a unique single-control regime in all of Europe: a border control with Morocco and a second Schengen check upon departure to the Peninsula, either by sea or air. No one disembarks without identifying themselves to the National Police, the embassy added.

The messages, urging consultation of official information on legal entry and stay procedures in Spain and the EU, correspond with recent calls for mobilizations related to crossings at Ceuta and Melilla. Specific mentions include a potential new crossing or protest in Rabat, in front of the Spanish Embassy, planned for September 20, though it has not materialized as of yet.

Additionally, calls for another irregular crossing at Ceuta on September 23, coinciding with Morocco's electoral day, have circulated, coinciding with the latter's national election. The Spanish administration's warning, also translated into French, is part of a broader institutional campaign by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This response follows a migratory crisis in Ceuta, where over 70,000 people crossed en masse on July 30, largely encouraged by social media hoaxes.

While the majority of irregular immigrants have returned to Morocco, thousands, mostly young people, remain in Spain. This crisis has strained relations between Madrid and Rabat, leading to at least 140 deaths, according to civil society organizations.