Following the sudden arrival of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Moroccan authorities have confirmed their readiness to assist in the repatriation of unaccompanied minors.
Morocco has responded swiftly to the crisis unfolding at Ceuta. Officials in Rabat have stated they are prepared to facilitate the return of unaccompanied minors who crossed from Moroccan territory. However, they highlight that legal hurdles on the Spanish side are complicating these efforts. A diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity to the official Moroccan news agency MAP, explained that while Morocco is committed to identifying and repatriating these minors, “our Spanish and European partners must address internal challenges posed by their legal and administrative frameworks.”
Over 72,000 migrants surge into Ceuta
In late July, a historic surge saw more than 72,000 migrants illegally enter Ceuta within days. Spanish Interior Ministry reports indicate that around 70,000 of these individuals have since returned to Morocco. The remaining 2,000 remain in Ceuta, where local authorities confirm that over 1,000 are unaccompanied minors. Their nationalities remain unspecified. Concerns have been raised by advocacy groups regarding the heightened risks these children face, including exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
Tragedy has also marked this migration wave. At least 80 lives were lost, primarily due to drowning, according to a Spanish forensic medicine panel. Moroccan authorities, meanwhile, reported 11 deaths on their side of the border.