Ceuta on High Alert: Preparing for Potential Crossings
The political landscape surrounding the autonomous city of Ceuta is currently marked by significant tension as the region braces itself ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23rd. Reports indicate that Morocco has fortified its border controls in response to warnings issued by the Spanish Embassy in Rabat regarding the potential for irregular crossings coinciding with the election date. Heightened security measures have been put in place in the Castillejos area, with police vehicles, water trucks, and hundreds of uniformed officers actively patrolling the vicinity to deter any mass migration attempts.
Clarifications from the Spanish Embassy
In a bid to counter misinformation circulating on social media, the Spanish Embassy in Morocco emphasized that entering Spain illegally through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant individuals the right to access the mainland, reside in Spain, or move freely within the European Union. The embassy highlighted a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarifies procedures for individuals arriving by sea, asserting that it does not alter immigration laws or invalidate border refusals. Furthermore, they noted that Ceuta and Melilla adhere to a unique control regime within Europe, featuring dual checks—initial border control with Morocco followed by Schengen regulations before departing to the mainland, whether by sea or air. The embassy reiterated that no one may board vessels without proper identification presented to the National Police.
As reported by as.com.
