Crisis in Ceuta: Spain Accelerates Returns to Morocco

Sunday 13 September 2026 - 13:57

Following the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta on July 30 and 31, Spanish authorities are intensifying operations aimed at reducing pressure on the enclave. Over 5,300 people have already returned to Morocco, while several hundred migrants have been transferred from the streets to reception facilities. Despite these measures, the situation remains tense with approximately 13,000 people still present on site.

Over 5,300 Returns to Morocco

The migration crisis triggered by the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta at the end of July continues to mobilize Spanish authorities. According to the Spanish Minister for Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, more than 5,300 people have already been sent back to Morocco in recent days.

Some of the affected migrants had initiated procedures to request international protection in Spain. About a hundred of them ultimately withdrew their asylum applications, according to data provided by Madrid.

For Spanish authorities, the goal now is to quickly reduce the pressure on the infrastructure and public space of the enclave.

Nearly 900 People Sheltered

An emergency device was also activated on Sunday morning to take care of people sleeping in the streets of Ceuta.

In total, 864 migrants have been transferred to a closed temporary reception center. This operation aims to improve care conditions while facilitating the organization of administrative procedures.

The Spanish government intends to accelerate the processing of individual situations and distinguish between those who may qualify for international protection and those who may be subject to return.

Procedures Governed by Spanish Legislation

Madrid insists, however, on the necessity of prior identification before any return to the country of origin. Operations cannot therefore be carried out independently of administrative procedures and the Spanish legal framework.

Concentrating migrants in dedicated facilities should allow authorities to better organize these procedures and accelerate, when legal conditions are met, the return processes.

This organization also responds to a logistical urgency as the reception capacities of Ceuta have been heavily strained since the arrivals at the end of July.

Approximately 13,000 Migrants Still Present

Despite the returns already carried out and the shelter operations, the situation remains particularly tense in the enclave.

According to data from the local government of Ceuta, approximately 13,000 people, including adults and minors, are still present.

This massive presence continues to weigh on the available accommodation and support capacities. Madrid claims to want to return to normal as soon as possible, while continuing the procedures to determine the situation of each migrant.

The Ceuta crisis remains closely linked to the ability of Spanish and Moroccan authorities to manage returns, temporary accommodation, and protection procedures in an exceptional migration context.