Spain Pledges to Return Migrants to Morocco

Spain wants to return to Morocco all migrants who illegally crossed the border into the enclave of Ceuta. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares made the announcement during a visit to the city. He also urged others not to attempt the crossing, according to The Guardian.

“Don’t risk your lives, your money, or your future on an attempt that is doomed to fail”, he told migrants. According to the minister, entering Ceuta illegally will not allow them to remain in the city or continue to the European mainland.

Albares said Madrid was in direct talks with Moroccan authorities about returning all those who crossed the border illegally and preventing another migration crisis. He also rejected claims circulating on social media that a recent court ruling allows migrants to stay, describing them as misinformation.

“No one has left the city for the mainland, nor can they”, the minister emphasized. According to Albares, “every single” person who crossed the border illegally will be returned.

However, the situation remains tense. After meeting with the minister, Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas said that up to 10,000 migrants remain in the city. He described the situation as unsustainable.

(mja)