Ceuta migration crisis: 12,705 migrants returned to Morocco

Since August 10, a total of 12,705 migrants have returned from the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta to Morocco. According to government spokesperson Elma Saiz, the vast majority—12,142 individuals—were voluntary returns, while 536 were deportations.

The current crisis follows a mass irregular entry of approximately 80,000 people in late July. To manage the situation, the state has enabled 7,477 places in temporary humanitarian resources. Regarding minors, 3,331 are currently under the regional protection system; 107 have been relocated to the Spanish mainland through family reunification, and 181 have been moved to other autonomous communities.

Security measures in Ceuta include the deployment of 5,237 personnel and the execution of 11,375 surveillance patrols. In terms of public health, 83% of migrants in temporary resources are vaccinated. The situation has also led to political friction, as Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, has called for more resources to accelerate returns, while the central government maintains that all procedures must adhere to legal guarantees.