More Than 5,300 Migrants Leave Spain’s Ceuta for Morocco After July Influx

More than 5,300 migrants who remained in Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta following a mass influx in July have voluntarily returned to Morocco over the past month, according to the Spanish government.

Migration Minister Angel Victor Torres said on Sunday that 5,321 people had returned to Morocco since August 10. A further 90 migrants had withdrawn their requests for international protection, while nearly 1,000 others were being registered to complete procedures required for their return.

The figures follow an unprecedented rush into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, when more than 70,000 people crossed into the Spanish territory. Although the vast majority returned to Morocco within hours, thousands remained in Ceuta and were required to undergo individual checks to determine whether they qualified for asylum or other forms of protection.

Spanish authorities face additional restrictions when dealing with unaccompanied minors, who cannot simply be deported and must be handled under separate legal and protection procedures.

The number of migrants who remain in Ceuta is disputed. The territory’s conservative leader has estimated that around 13,000 migrants are still there, while Spain’s national government has provided a considerably lower figure.

The continuing presence of migrants has placed significant pressure on local authorities, particularly because of the need to provide accommodation and other essential services. Authorities are therefore increasing temporary shelter capacity, with plans to create up to 6,000 places.

The situation has also created a major political challenge for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, with migration expected to remain an important issue ahead of Spain’s election next year.

Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Africa and surrounded by Morocco, is one of Spain’s two territories on the continent and a key point on Europe’s migration routes. Its location makes it particularly vulnerable to sudden movements of people attempting to enter Spanish territory.

The July influx placed unprecedented pressure on the territory and prompted authorities to begin processing the thousands of people who remained after the initial rush. While many have since returned voluntarily, the government continues to face the complex task of determining the status of those who remain.

The latest return figures represent a significant reduction in the number of people still awaiting decisions or completing procedures, but the disagreement over the remaining population highlights the continuing scale of the crisis.

The Spanish government’s efforts to increase shelter capacity and process return applications come as migration remains one of the country’s most politically sensitive issues, with the Ceuta situation likely to feature prominently in political debate before next year’s election.