Spain and Morocco Collaborate on Migrant Return Policies
Amid growing human rights advocacy demanding the cessation of violations against migrants who have reached the occupied city of Ceuta, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has reaffirmed that Madrid and Rabat are cooperating to return all migrants to Morocco. Speaking on Tuesday from Ceuta, Albares indicated that Spain is committed to a strict return policy, warning that anyone attempting to enter the occupied enclave illegally would face expulsion.
Albares, who is the first Spanish foreign minister to visit Ceuta, met with the city's governor and emphasized Morocco's cooperation throughout the crisis, noting that the Moroccan authorities have not requested anything in return for their assistance. The Spanish minister urged individuals considering illegal entry from Morocco and other African nations to abandon their plans, stating that misinformation has been circulating regarding the possibility of entering Ceuta. He warned potential migrants against risking their lives and futures in a venture that is likely to fail, particularly given the coordinated efforts between Spain and Morocco, which ultimately result in their expulsion.
"They will not be able to reach the Iberian Peninsula or Europe, nor will they be able to remain indefinitely in Ceuta and Melilla. This is a matter that will not change regardless of any court rulings that have been misrepresented on social media," Albares asserted. He noted that he remains in daily contact with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, to discuss the swift return of migrants, bolster border security, and prevent similar situations from recurring, especially in light of new challenges posed by social media.
Albares confirmed that Moroccan authorities are fully prepared to facilitate the return of all migrants and that through this coordination, the return of thousands has been achieved in a short span of time. The minister reiterated that rumors and misinformation on social media have sparked mass migration, highlighting efforts in Spain to debunk these false claims while also working with Moroccan authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of digital networks.
As reported by lakome2.com.
