Spain and Morocco have agreed to accelerate the return of Moroccan nationals who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta irregularly, following a recent surge in migrant arrivals.
Spanish authorities estimate that about 2,000 people have entered Ceuta illegally over the past 10 days, a figure equivalent to roughly 2% of the enclave’s population.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, both governments agreed to strengthen coordination and implement measures to return those who crossed into Ceuta unlawfully as soon as possible.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government is deploying all necessary resources and working with Moroccan and international authorities to restore normal conditions. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is also expected to travel to Ceuta to oversee the response.
Spanish officials emphasized that relations with Morocco remain strong and rejected suggestions that the migration surge was linked to Sánchez’s recent visit to Algeria.
