Spain's Foreign Minister affirms border integrity in Ceuta

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares visited the North African autonomous city of Ceuta to address recent mass irregular migration attempts. Following an incident in late July where approximately 72,000 people attempted to enter from Morocco, Albares stated that the integrity of the Schengen Area is being fully maintained in both Ceuta and Melilla.

According to government data, roughly 70,000 of those who attempted the crossing have already returned to Morocco. Albares emphasized that anyone attempting to enter the Spanish territories illegally will be returned to Morocco. He also issued a warning to those in Africa receiving misinformation about the ease of entry, urging them not to risk their lives and futures on a “doomed adventure.”

The Minister met with Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas to discuss border reinforcement, the rapid repatriation of irregular migrants, and continued diplomatic cooperation with Morocco. Albares noted that daily coordination between the foreign ministers of Spain and Morocco has facilitated the return of the majority of those who crossed the border.