Spanish embassy in Morocco denies migration rumors for Ceuta, Melilla

The Spanish embassy in Rabat posted a series of clarifications on its Facebook page, stating that entering Spain through the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta or Melilla without following legal procedures does not confer any right of residence or free movement within Spain or the European Union. The embassy warned that irregular crossings are extremely dangerous and emphasized that the only legitimate path is through regular migration channels.

It explained that the recent ruling of the Spanish Supreme Court applies solely to people who arrive by sea and does not alter immigration law, nor does it prevent border authorities from rejecting entry or carrying out returns. A 500‑metre maritime barrier has been installed at Tarajal to strengthen border monitoring, and the embassy noted that most individuals who crossed during the July 30 incidents were returned to Morocco.

The statement also clarified that the “exceptional settlement” scheme concerns only persons who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2026 and does not cover those who arrived during the recent wave. These remarks were issued as rumors circulated on social media urging a new mass crossing on 15 August, following a large‑scale migration surge that involved tens of thousands of people, dozens of deaths, and ongoing security and judicial investigations in both Morocco and Spain.