The Spanish government estimates that after the mass influx into Ceuta, about 5,000 migrants will need accommodation and status determination. During the Ceuta crisis, about 80,000 people illegally crossed the border, while the Moroccan authorities effectively did not hinder the influx. Currently, about 8,000 migrants remain in Ceuta. These are approximately 2,500 minors and another 2,500 potential asylum seekers, according to government estimates.
About 90% of those who arrived in Ceuta have already returned to Morocco. Meanwhile, the city with a population of only about 83,000 inhabitants continues to accommodate approximately 8,000 migrants who are on the streets, in temporarily arranged places, and on beaches. This increases the city’s population by about 10% and creates a significant burden on its infrastructure and services. The Spanish government estimates the number of those remaining in Ceuta to be between 7,000 and 9,000 people — somewhat lower than the estimate of Ceuta’s president Juan Jesus Vivas of the People’s Party.
How Spain will resolve the fate of migrants
The causes of the Ceuta crisis remain not fully understood. Among the possible factors are growing discontent and lack of prospects among Moroccan youth, disinformation on social networks, and the actual inaction of the Moroccan authorities during the influx. Among the possible reasons for the latter are the desire to avoid mass casualties — 142 people died during the events, although the number of victims could have been much higher — and the geopolitical interests of Mohammed VI. Two weeks after the events, there are still many more assumptions than confirmed facts.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles, during a visit to the Spanish enclave in North Africa, stated: “Ceuta is very Spanish,” responding to statements by Moroccan nationalists, including Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. Meanwhile, the main question in the short term remains the resolution of the crisis consequences. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Tuesday that “all those who entered Ceuta illegally will be returned to Morocco.” Interior Minister, former judge Fernando Grande-Marlaska, clarified on Wednesday that more than 400 cases of international protection have already been opened. People who have the right to asylum will be able to obtain it after the approval of applications, while those who do not have such a right “will be deported,” Grande-Marlaska stated.
Of the approximately 8,000 migrants remaining in Ceuta, about 3,000, according to government calculations, will be deported. These are so-called economic migrants — mainly adult Moroccans, as well as citizens of other countries who have no grounds for obtaining asylum. Spain is obliged to provide accommodation and care for approximately 2,500 minors. Meanwhile, if the children want to return to their families and their families take them back, they can be returned to their families. In addition, about 2,500 migrants from countries in Africa south of the Sahara, who gathered on Trampolin Beach, may be eligible for asylum. The Spanish authorities must consider such applications “on a case-by-case basis,” government sources emphasize.
Spanish and international legislation provides for the right to asylum for people who are subject to persecution, serious violence, or come from countries affected by armed conflicts. Meanwhile, committing a crime can deprive a person of the right to international protection. The European Parliament considers Morocco a safe country, while citizens of Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Mali belong to nationalities that often seek asylum. For example, Palestinians in the Tarajal area may fall under this category.
Among the approximately 2,500 minors remaining in Ceuta, about 600 are girls, government sources report. There are also about 400 children under the age of 13 among them. Minister Sira Rego stated that the Ceuta crisis demonstrates a change in the profile of illegal migrants: “More and more girls and children of increasingly younger ages are appearing. Now it is necessary to accelerate efforts to accommodate those who have the right to do so, considering the risk of prolonging this emergency situation.” The next step will be a meeting of the Council of Ministers, scheduled for August 25, during which it is planned to allocate 25 million euros, promised by Minister Elma Saiz to help unaccompanied minors. The government is also considering the possibility of increasing this amount depending on the needs. At the end of August, a conference is planned to distribute minors among autonomous communities and foster families who have contacted the government with offers to help in their accommodation.
Ceuta’s president Juan Jesus Vivas fears a new wave of migrants around August 15. He informed Minister Margarita Robles that the situation in Ceuta is “unbearable,” and local residents feel “deeply concerned, outraged, and abandoned.” Various political forces within the Spanish government, autonomous communities that must help with the accommodation of migrants, Morocco, and the European Union are also involved in resolving the crisis. Italy, under Giorgia Meloni, despite tough anti-migration rhetoric, recorded nearly 17,000 illegal entries by mid-year — about 50% more than Spain. After accounting for thousands of illegal entries into Ceuta, these figures could change significantly. Experts also warn that the unstable situation in Libya and recent events in Tunisia could trigger new migration waves in the Mediterranean, especially off the coast of Italy.
Source: El País
