On August 11, 2026, in a noteworthy address, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Wahbi expressed his strong criticism of Spain's approach to irregular migration. Wahbi argued that Morocco cannot effectively curb migration flows while Spain continues to grant residency to migrants, labeling this situation as a significant contradiction. His remarks were made during an interview with the private news channel 'Asharq Bloomberg', marking the first public comments from a Moroccan official regarding the recent surge of migrants crossing into the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta.
Between July 29 and 31, 2026, tens of thousands of Moroccans flocked to the border surrounding Ceuta, marking one of the largest waves of irregular crossings into the city. After the influx, most of these individuals returned to their hometown of Fnideq in Morocco. Commenting on this development, Wahbi noted that Morocco is acutely aware of the issue, yet contended that Spain is facilitating legal and institutional support for irregular migrants, which further complicates Morocco's ability to manage the situation.
Wahbi emphasized, "Our country cannot prevent irregular migration while Spain is granting residency to these individuals," underscoring the necessity for coordinated efforts between the two nations to effectively tackle this challenge. He criticized the notion of migration occurring in a haphazard manner, asserting that there should be formal channels for migration. Furthermore, he pointed to a recent Spanish court ruling that he believes contributed to the latest wave of mass migration. In July, Spain's Supreme Court ruled against the immediate expulsion of migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla, which may have influenced the recent surge.
In the days following this migration wave, Ceuta's authorities reported that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remained in the city, while over 69,000 had returned to Morocco. Wahbi expressed that Spain's immigration policy creates difficulties for Rabat and reiterated Morocco's willingness to collaborate on this matter. He stressed that Morocco does not intend to use migration as a means to provoke Spain or the European Union, stating, "We cannot act as the police for the Europeans." Wahbi called for greater coordination between Morocco and European countries regarding migration and the economic and social costs associated with it.
Additionally, the minister criticized what he described as Europe's selective treatment of Morocco, pointing out that European nations actively recruit doctors, engineers, and youth with in-demand skills, while simultaneously rejecting others. Spain has yet to respond to Wahbi's comments. Meanwhile, the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights reported a rise in fatalities during the mass crossing to Ceuta, with 14 confirmed deaths, while Spanish officials indicated that 80 individuals had lost their lives. The council also noted that 136 civilians sustained minor injuries, and 13 were hospitalized, alongside medical consultations provided to 87 Moroccan law enforcement personnel. Approximately 100 individuals were apprehended in connection with these events, including 11 minors.
The cities of Ceuta and Melilla are situated on Morocco's northern coast and are administered by Spain, with Morocco maintaining its claim for their return.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
