The Foreign Minister of Morocco, Naser Burita, has reaffirmed his country's readiness to facilitate the return of all migrants who crossed the border into Ceuta on July 30 and 31. This declaration was made during a meeting with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, where Burita criticized Spanish politicians for allegedly obstructing the repatriation processes with their "controversies." Burita emphasized Morocco's "clear" stance on the repatriation of irregular migrants and its commitment to the return of unaccompanied minors, following discussions at the United Nations General Assembly.
During his statements to the media, Burita asserted, "If the migrants have not been returned, if the minors have not been returned, the question should not be directed at Morocco but rather at Spain. It is not Morocco that is responsible for the returns." He criticized the ongoing issues surrounding the return of these individuals, attributing the problems to Spanish "controversies, considerations, obstacles, scripts, and difficulties," and insisted that the Moroccan authorities are not hindering the process out of a lack of will.
In response, Albares assured that he has received guarantees of "full cooperation" from his Moroccan counterpart regarding the situation in Ceuta. However, he clarified the government’s stance on returns, which are limited to individuals who "do not have the right to international protection." This clarification comes as a Ceuta court has ruled on the expulsion of up to twelve Moroccan migrants convicted of various crimes for five years.
Conditions for Repatriation of Minors
Morocco has repeatedly demanded the return of Moroccan minors since the onset of the crisis, but the Spanish government deems this route unfeasible due to legislation that requires individual assessments of each child's situation and resolution in accordance with their best interests. Albares indicated that while the government aims to reunite minors with their families, those migrants who are eligible to apply for asylum may not be forcibly returned to Morocco. This means that unaccompanied minors wishing to remain in Spain can do so, while those preferring to return will have the option to do so.
Currently, the government estimates that the majority of the approximately 2,000 unaccompanied minors in Ceuta do not wish to return, as they "want to stay, and the law protects them." In fact, the government has relocated 500 girls who arrived in Ceuta on July 30 to the mainland for protection, while another 54 minors have already been reunited with family members in Spain. The Supreme Court confirmed in 2024 that the returns of minors from Ceuta to Morocco in August 2021 were illegal because the required administrative procedures were not followed.
Moreover, the Youth and Childhood Minister, Sira Rego, reported that they are preparing the files of some minors for family reunification requests but are still awaiting a response from Morocco, having previously submitted 600 cases without receiving any feedback. Rego noted that it is not usual to have a fluid response from Morocco, which poses challenges in executing the family reunification process.
Political Tensions and Diplomatic Relations
Burita expressed disappointment that certain Spanish political figures continue to fuel baseless accusations and controversies against Morocco in the aftermath of the Ceuta crisis, referring to the ongoing verbal disputes between the government and opposition regarding the future of the minors. He emphasized that immigration issues and partnerships between Spain and Morocco should not be managed through verbal escalations or unfounded accusations.
On the other hand, Albares has focused on maintaining diplomatic relations with Morocco, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as adherence to the principles established in the joint declaration of 2022. He reiterated Spain's position regarding its territorial integrity, which includes Ceuta and Melilla, and stated that Spain will not discuss these matters with Morocco or any other party.
As reported by elespanol.com.
