Ceuta Mayor Calls for Accelerated Migrant Returns to Morocco Amid Crisis
Quick Look
Ceuta's Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas estimates 8,000-11,000 migrants remain after July's influx, urging Spain to accelerate returns to Morocco via Tarajal border.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Late July saw a massive influx of irregular migrants into Ceuta, prompting a military response from Madrid.
MADRID, August 9. /TASS/. Between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants may still be in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta following a mass influx of irregular migrants in late July, Ceuta Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas said. He urged the Spanish authorities to accelerate the return of migrants to Morocco, calling it the only way to resolve the "absolutely intolerable" situation.
"Estimates put the figure at between 8,000 and 11,000 [migrants]," Vivas told Onda Cero radio. In his view, "the only way out is [returning them to] Morocco through the Tarajal border crossing."
In late July, tens of thousands of irregular migrants reached the autonomous Spanish city by swimming and on foot, bypassing the breakwater that separates it from Morocco. Madrid deployed military personnel to help provide security in Ceuta amid the crisis. According to the Spanish government, about 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, of whom around 70,000 have already returned to Morocco.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased diplomatic talks between Spain and Morocco to facilitate migrant returns.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What are the long-term solutions proposed by the Spanish Government?
- How will Morocco respond to accelerated returns?
