Spain's Firm Position Against Illegal Immigration via Ceuta and Melilla
The Spanish Embassy in Rabat has initiated a robust social media campaign aimed at discouraging illegal entries into Spain's autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, located in North Africa. This effort aligns with previous communications from the Spanish Foreign Ministry, especially in light of rising tensions prompted by new calls on social media for mass entries into these Spanish enclaves. The embassy's message is clear: "Illegal entry into Spain via Ceuta and Melilla does not grant the right to access the Iberian Peninsula, reside in Spain, or move freely within the rest of the European Union," as stated on their official X account.
Furthermore, the embassy warns against misinformation, emphasizing that a recent ruling from the Supreme Court clarifies the procedures for individuals arriving by sea, without altering existing foreign legislation. This ruling does not render border rejections illegal nor does it prevent returns, as reiterated in the campaign disseminated through various Spanish consulates in Morocco.
Spain's strict border control measures include a unique dual-filter system, featuring a border check with Morocco followed by a Schengen control at the point of departure to the Iberian Peninsula via air and sea routes. It is highlighted that no one is permitted to board without identification verification by the National Police.
This campaign coincides with new calls for mobilizations on social media concerning crossings into Ceuta and Melilla. Specifically, there were mentions of a potential crossing attempt or a protest in front of the Spanish embassy in Rabat, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, though it has yet to materialize. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about a new irregular crossing planned for September 23, coinciding with Morocco's election day.
The warnings issued by Spanish authorities, which have also been translated into French, are part of a broader institutional campaign led by the Foreign Ministry. On August 3, the ministry released a specific document entitled "Illegal entry into Ceuta or Melilla does not entitle one to remain in Spain or travel to Europe," designed to counter misinformation circulating on social networks.
These actions follow a migration crisis in Ceuta triggered by an unprecedented mass overflow of over 70,000 individuals on July 30, largely fueled by false information on social media. Although many irregular migrants have returned to Morocco, thousands, primarily young people, continue to reside in the Spanish city. This crisis has exacerbated tensions in relations between Madrid and Rabat, leading to at least 140 reported fatalities according to civil society organizations.
As reported by mallorca-services.es.
