Following the sudden arrival of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Moroccan officials have pledged to assist in the return of unaccompanied minors.
Morocco has responded to the migrant surge by expressing readiness to facilitate the repatriation of unaccompanied minors currently in Ceuta. However, officials highlight that legal and procedural hurdles on the Spanish side may delay the process. A diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Rabat is committed to identifying and coordinating the return of these minors to their home country in collaboration with Spanish and European partners.
« Our partners must address internal legal and administrative challenges to ensure this operation moves forward smoothly, » the source emphasized.
Ceuta sees unprecedented migrant influx
In late July, Ceuta witnessed an unprecedented influx of approximately 72,000 migrants entering the Spanish enclave within days, setting a record for such a short period. Authorities in Madrid report that around 70,000 individuals have already returned to Morocco. However, minors remain stranded in Ceuta, as they cannot be legally deported under current regulations.
According to local Ceuta administration figures, over 1,000 of the roughly 2,000 migrants still present are unaccompanied minors. Their nationalities remain unspecified, raising concerns among aid groups about potential risks such as exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse.
Tragically, at least 80 lives have been lost, primarily due to drowning, as confirmed by a Spanish forensic medicine commission. Moroccan authorities, meanwhile, have reported 11 deaths along the Moroccan border.
