Spain to Relocate 500 Unaccompanied Migrant Children from Ceuta to Mainland

The Spanish government has reversed its stance, opting to relocate 500 unaccompanied migrant children from Ceuta to the mainland, despite the European Commission’s assertion that all irregular migrants, including minors, should be returned to Morocco under EU law.

Most of the approximately 70,000 migrants who entered Ceuta on 30 July have already returned to Morocco. However, Spanish law mandates care for unaccompanied minors until they turn 18, prompting the government’s decision.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska had initially stated that those entering illegally would be sent back, emphasizing Spain and Morocco’s cooperation. Yet, the youth ministry, in coordination with Ceuta’s government, is now devising a plan to transfer the most vulnerable children, particularly girls, to the mainland via NGOs and child protection agencies, avoiding direct transfer to regional governments to minimize conflict.

Secretary of State for Children Rubén Pérez Correa has been in Ceuta since Sunday, addressing the crisis of hundreds of children living on the streets.

The European Commission reiterated that under EU law, all irregular migrants in Ceuta should be returned, including unaccompanied minors, as stated by spokesperson Markus Lammert.

The People’s Party criticized the plan, arguing the children should be with their families, especially since Morocco and the EU support their return. Deputy Finance Spokesperson Juan Bravo questioned the necessity of the government’s actions given these stance alignments.

The mixed signals stem from the latest EU immigration pact not being incorporated into Spanish law, leaving the country’s protection laws for unaccompanied minors intact.

The decision is politically sensitive, with regions governed by the People’s Party and far-right Vox reluctant to accept the children, prompting the central government to involve NGOs directly.