Voluntary Return of Migrants to Morocco During Ceuta Camp Evacuation
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the initial phase of evacuating the migrant camp at the Tarumbolin beach in occupied Ceuta revealed a significant trend: many migrants chose to return to Morocco voluntarily. Following their transfer by bus to the Tarajal area for identification and registration procedures, it was reported that around 700 individuals were evacuated during this phase. Notably, a substantial number opted to cross back into Morocco via the border rather than completing the registration process.
Sources connected to the operation, as reported by “Cadena Ser,” indicated that at least 400 out of the approximately 700 evacuated migrants preferred to return to Morocco voluntarily. However, this figure has yet to be officially confirmed by the national police or the Spanish government, which has not published a final tally of the number of returnees or those who opted to remain within the reception system.
According to “Europa Press,” the migrants transported from Tarumbolin were presented with two options upon arrival at Tarajal: either to stay at the temporary foreign care center (CATE) for identification and registration, or to return voluntarily to Morocco. The agency noted, citing police sources, that the number of individuals choosing to return was considerable, though no official figure was provided.
This development echoes a similar incident that occurred days prior during the evacuation of Benitez beach, where over 150 migrants, according to the agency “EFE,” also opted to return to Morocco instead of undergoing the identification process. The data released today indicates that this trend of voluntary return was repeated among those transported from Tarumbolin as they arrived at Tarajal on the designated buses.
Conversely, some migrants chose to remain at the CATE center to undergo identification procedures before being referred to the available reception resources in Ceuta. “Europa Press” explains that the limited availability of spaces in reception centers prevented the complete evacuation of the camp in a single phase. Current estimates suggest there are between 300 to 400 spots available at the reception center in Loma Colmenar after expanding the tents.
The evacuation process commenced early this morning amidst extensive security measures, involving over 350 national police personnel, including eight intervention units, alongside other specialized units. The Civil Guard, local police, and the military command of Ceuta also participated in securing the operation, while the police transported individuals who left the camp to Tarajal for the appropriate procedures.
Spanish authorities continue to treat this operation as a preliminary phase, as the Tarumbolin camp, which houses over 3,000 migrants, has not been fully evacuated. The police have linked the continuation of the operation to the availability of reception spaces, with the government preparing to equip additional resources, including a site in the Cabo de Gibraltar area and another planned near the Fuerte Mendizabal prison.
As reported by hespress.com.
