Spain Reports 3,000 Migrants Remain on Ceuta Streets
Spanish officials state that thousands of migrants, including minors, are still living on the streets of the enclave while relocation efforts continue.
Key points
- Over 3,000 migrants, including hundreds of minors, are still living on the streets of Ceuta.
- Spanish authorities aim to relocate all individuals to facilities within a few weeks to process legal files.
- Between 150 and 200 migrants voluntarily return to Morocco daily, according to the interior minister.
The Spanish government stated on Monday that more than 3,000 migrants, including several hundred minors, continue to live on the streets of Ceuta. This North African enclave has faced significant pressure following a recent influx of arrivals from Morocco, prompting urgent discussions regarding shelter and legal status.
Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres provided the estimate in an interview with TVE, the public broadcaster. According to news.az, the minister emphasized that authorities are actively working to relocate these individuals into designated facilities under a new government decree.
Relocation Plans Accelerate
Torres indicated that the relocation process would continue over the coming days, with plans to open additional sites if necessary. The minister expressed hope that all individuals would be moved into proper accommodation within a few weeks, allowing the administrative process to begin.
Once relocated, the government intends to process return files for those who do not qualify for protection. This approach aims to separate those eligible for international protection from others, streamlining the legal proceedings for each group.
Voluntary Returns and Protection
According to the minister, between 150 and 200 migrants are voluntarily returning to Morocco each day. He noted that 160 individuals had returned in the previous 24 hours, suggesting a steady flow of voluntary departures from the enclave.
Torres clarified that most recent arrivals are not expected to qualify for international protection. However, those who do remain, including unaccompanied minors who cannot be reunited with families, will be transferred to mainland Spain to alleviate pressure on local resources in Ceuta.
Security Concerns in the Enclave
Tensions in the region have also manifested in isolated incidents of violence. On Sunday, a car belonging to a Ceuta Assembly lawmaker was pelted with stones, an event the minister described as unacceptable. This incident highlights the fragile social climate amid the ongoing humanitarian and political debate.
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on the logistical challenges of housing and the legal complexities of determining protection status. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the government’s relocation timeline holds, and how the remaining population is managed within the strict confines of the enclave.
