Significant Migrant Returns from Ceuta to Morocco
In a noteworthy development, the Spanish government has reported that more than 5,300 migrants who had previously remained in Ceuta following a surge in arrivals in July have voluntarily returned to Morocco within the span of just one month. This information was confirmed by Angel Victor Torres, the minister responsible for coordinating the government’s response to the ongoing situation, who shared this update via a social media video on September 13, 2026. Torres noted that a total of 5,321 individuals had made the decision to return to Morocco since August 10, highlighting the complexity of the migrant crisis that has recently unfolded in the area.
The rapid repatriation of migrants has drawn criticism, particularly as it comes at a politically sensitive time with elections approaching next year. The influx of over 70,000 migrants into Ceuta on July 30 and 31 had led to a significant strain on local resources, with many returning to Morocco almost immediately after their arrival. However, thousands chose to remain in Ceuta, leading to a deteriorating situation that has resulted in violent incidents and frequent protests by local residents demanding a return to normalcy.
Challenges and Government Response
The Spanish government has been tasked with identifying the remaining migrants who stayed for several weeks to determine their eligibility for asylum. This process has proven to be challenging as unaccompanied minors are protected from immediate expulsion under international law. According to Torres, 90 individuals have already withdrawn their requests for international protection, while nearly 1,000 others are in the process of being registered to finalize their return procedures. The exact number of migrants still in Ceuta remains a point of contention, with local conservative leaders estimating the figure to be around 13,000, contrasting sharply with much lower estimates from the government.
The ongoing situation has fueled local frustration, with residents accusing the government of neglecting the city. As a response, the Ministry of Migrations announced the establishment of 864 additional places in temporary accommodation centers, increasing the total capacity to approximately 4,300, with plans to expand this to 6,000 in the near future. The government continues to navigate the complexities of this humanitarian crisis while balancing political pressures and the needs of the local community.
As reported by france24.com.
