More than 5,300 migrants who remained in Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta following a mass influx in July have returned to Morocco over the past month, the Spanish government said on Sunday.
Spain’s Migration Minister Angel Victor Torres said 5,321 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco since August 10, while another 90 people had withdrawn their applications for international protection.
The government said nearly 1,000 additional migrants are currently being registered as part of procedures to facilitate their return.
The latest figures come after more than 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented and deadly surge. Most of those who entered the territory returned to Morocco within hours.
However, thousands remained in Ceuta and have since undergone screening to determine whether they qualify for asylum or other forms of protection. Unaccompanied minors cannot be summarily deported under Spanish law.
Dispute Over Number of Migrants Remaining
The number of migrants still in Ceuta remains contested, with local and national authorities providing significantly different estimates.
The city’s conservative leader estimates that around 13,000 migrants remain in the territory, while Spain’s national government puts the number considerably lower.
Authorities are also working to increase temporary accommodation capacity as they deal with the aftermath of the influx, with plans to provide up to 6,000 places.
Migration Becomes Political Issue
The situation has also increased political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as Spain prepares for next year’s election.
The continued presence of migrants in Ceuta, along with questions over border management, asylum processing and temporary accommodation, is expected to remain a major issue in Spain’s political debate ahead
