Significant Developments in Migrant Returns from Ceuta
On September 1, 2026, the Spanish government released important statistics regarding the voluntary return of migrants from Ceuta to Morocco. Between August 10 and August 31, a total of 3,519 migrants opted to return voluntarily, while authorities expelled an additional 214 individuals who remained in the city following a mass crossing event that occurred on July 30. The Spanish government is currently expediting the identification processes for incoming migrants and initiating their return to Morocco.
Angel Victor Torres, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, who oversees the unified operational command in Ceuta, announced these figures, emphasizing that all returns would be conducted in accordance with legal provisions. Torres remarked on the significance of the 3,519 voluntary returns, noting that these individuals recognize their lack of prospects, as they do not qualify for asylum.
In addition to the voluntary returns, Spanish authorities recorded 214 expulsions among those who remained in Ceuta after the mass crossing and did not return promptly in the days following. Among the migrants, 1,612 minors have been identified and registered. Torres indicated that the number of minors is expected to rise, stressing that reunification with their families is a priority for this vulnerable group.
Ongoing Efforts to Manage Migrant Populations
The Spanish authorities continue to gather individuals still living on the streets to identify them and commence their repatriation processes. On Monday, an additional 800 individuals, including around 300 women and unaccompanied minors, were accommodated in reception facilities. Torres acknowledged that there had been disruptions during this operation when the facilities reached capacity, but he assured that authorities had begun what he described as a "return to normalcy" in preparation for repatriating these individuals.
Of the 800 newly accommodated migrants, 300 are located in the "Hebika" facility, while approximately 500 others have been housed in the "Impulsamiento" center. Concurrently, additional sites are being prepared on land belonging to the port and the Ministry of Housing.
The Spanish government has stated that it has currently created around 3,400 additional spaces to accommodate street migrants, facilitating their identification and the initiation of repatriation processes. This is a significant increase compared to the typical capacity of the temporary migrant accommodation center in Ceuta, which had previously only been able to host around 500 individuals before July 30. Torres revealed plans to enhance this capacity with an additional 3,000 spaces in designated areas, which he believes will allow the authorities to "accelerate and shorten the timelines" associated with these processes.
On a health front, the government has denied any reports of collapse in Ceuta's hospitals, clarifying that the occupancy rate is approximately 50 percent, with only 15 migrants among the 104 patients currently hospitalized. Vaccination efforts continue, aiming to reach a target of 45,000 doses.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
