Ceuta asylum seekers cite sexual orientation in 70% of recent claims

In the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, approximately 70% of recent asylum seekers have cited persecution due to sexual orientation as the primary reason for their applications. This follows a large-scale influx of migrants, primarily from Morocco, who arrived in late July.

According to reports from Spanish newspaper ABC and police circles, many migrants initially cited economic reasons, such as unemployment, during their first 30 days. However, the focus has shifted toward sexual orientation, which is a recognized ground for protection under Spanish asylum law. While homosexuality carries legal risks in Morocco, Spanish authorities must individually verify that a credible danger of persecution exists upon return.

Police sources suggest that the shift in claims may be due to information being shared among migrants regarding which justifications increase the likelihood of obtaining protection. While police unions note that this does not prove systematic fraud, they have called for more thorough investigations. Currently, about 95% of the applications reviewed by police are from Moroccan nationals, with an internal estimate of a 99% rejection rate for such cases. To date, only five applications based on sexual orientation have been approved.