The government has reported that a total of **8,676 individuals have returned to Morocco since August 10**, encompassing both those who returned voluntarily after the initiation of return proceedings and those who were expelled for various reasons. This information was disclosed by the Minister of Territorial Policy, **Ángel Víctor Torres**, during a press conference in Ceuta, coinciding with the two-month mark since a significant influx of migrants into the autonomous city.
Minister Torres specified that **8,223 people have returned following the return procedures**, reflecting an increase of 1,432 individuals compared to last week, which translates to an average of over 200 returns daily. Additionally, there have been **453 expulsions**, bringing the total close to 8,700 individuals. He noted, "There are many returns triggered by the initiation of these proceedings," while addressing the media after presiding over the Situation Committee responsible for coordinating the government's response to the migration crisis in Ceuta. He explained that **between 25% and 30% of individuals undergoing triage do not request international protection**, prompting the start of return proceedings. In the majority of remaining cases, he added, most individuals are also unlikely to qualify for such protection.
Current Situation and Government Response
The Minister also updated the figures regarding adults processed at the Temporary Foreigners' Care Center (CATE), where a total of **3,336 adults have undergone triage**, nearly 800 more than reported during the previous week's conference. The government continues to prioritize the situation of accommodation, with Torres stating that the [operation launched last Tuesday at Benítez Beach](https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20260929/policia-inicia-ceuta-desalojo-playa-benitez-con-traslado-cientos-migrantes-para-ser-filiados/17245107.shtml), which involved approximately 400 individuals, successfully cleared the area “without any personal harm” and allowed for the recovery of this public space. He expressed optimism that **the beaches of Ceuta could return to normalcy before October 15**, asserting that he believes there will be no need to open additional resources for migrant accommodation. "I will endeavor to achieve this by all means, and we are actively working towards it," he assured after leading the Situation Committee meeting at the Government Delegation.
In terms of vulnerable populations, **63 women have been transferred to the equestrian center, and the government plans to establish an additional 840 spaces for women and accompanied minors** in the coming days: 540 at the former cavalry field and 300 more in the mosque area. A new facility adjacent to the Ceuta prison, owned by the Ministry of the Interior, will also be utilized as a last resort if necessary. The government believes that the activated spaces, along with this latest site and the Loma Colmenar facility provided by the city, will adequately accommodate those still residing in Ceuta.
Regarding minors, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous City, **2,566 have already been registered in the protection system**. The government has submitted 10 family reunification requests to Morocco, while 69 minors have been reunited with families on the peninsula, and 144 have been transferred to other autonomous communities. In total, **213 minors who were in Ceuta are now located in other parts of Spain**. Torres emphasized that the state has allocated €88 million to support the establishment and operation of resources designated for these minors.
Financial Support and Educational Stability
Furthermore, the Minister announced that the government intends to present a new royal decree to the Council of Ministers next Tuesday, which includes **€40.3 million to cover the extraordinary expenses faced by Ceuta due to the mass arrival**, particularly those related to security and sanitation. He also mentioned that the first payments from another decree are expected to commence next Tuesday, affecting over 1,200 applications aimed at providing support to the city's social and economic sectors. Torres reiterated the government's commitment to restoring normalcy in coastal areas still experiencing high concentrations of migrants. “We will do this while respecting human rights and adhering to the law,” he asserted, expressing confidence in making progress in the ongoing evacuation of the Trampolín beach area in the coming days.
During the same press conference, the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, **Milagros Tolón**, reported that classroom attendance rates in Ceuta are now **at 90%**, which is now comparable to the "normalcy" expected in any other part of Spain. She shared these figures following an official visit to the city, which included several meetings with unions, parent associations, and educational forums, continuing the following day with visits to schools. "We have been working from day one because **we were very concerned about the start of the school year to ensure that children could return to their routine and regain their academic life**," she stated. Tolón highlighted her presence on September 8 during the school year opening, where she met with the educational community and acknowledged the significant efforts of the provincial education director, Cristóbal Guzmán.
The Minister noted that the school year kicked off well, with a **75% attendance rate** and no incidents reported in all open centers. Attendance has gradually increased, reaching **86% a few days ago and 90% yesterday**, which represents the normalcy expected in any other part of the country.
As reported by rtve.es.
