Significant Migrant Return from Ceuta to Morocco
On September 13, 2026, the Spanish government announced the voluntary return of 5,321 migrants from Ceuta to Morocco within the span of a month. This initiative commenced on August 10 following an unprecedented influx of migrants to the Spanish enclave located in North Africa, which occurred at the end of July. The surge in migrant numbers put immense pressure on local authorities to restore order in the city.
Government Actions and Challenges
Spanish Regional Policy Minister, Ángel Víctor Torres, confirmed that many of these migrants chose to return voluntarily, with approximately 90 individuals withdrawing their applications for international protection. Efforts are underway to facilitate the return of around one thousand additional migrants. During the peak days of July 30 and 31, Ceuta witnessed the arrival of over 70,000 migrants, with the majority returning to Morocco shortly thereafter. However, thousands remained, awaiting verification of their status, particularly unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers.
Despite the government's attempts to manage the situation, criticism has emerged regarding the slow pace of the repatriation process. Protests have erupted in Ceuta, highlighting the plight of migrants who are left to sleep on the streets and beaches. There is a significant discrepancy between the numbers reported by the central government and local authorities, with Ceuta's President, Juan Jesús Vivas, estimating that around 13,000 migrants still reside in the city, in stark contrast to the lower estimates provided by national officials.
In response to the growing demand for shelter, Spain's Ministry of Migration has announced the creation of 864 additional places in temporary accommodation centers, raising the overall capacity to approximately 4,300, with plans to increase this to 6,000 in the near future.
As reported by alkhaleej.ae.
