Portugal to Maintain Schengen Rules with Spain

Lisbon, Portugal (ANTARA) - Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stated on Friday (31/7) that his country will not suspend the Schengen free movement rules with Spain following the fatal migrant crossing incidents into Ceuta. However, he noted that Portugal will strengthen border controls along the country’s southern maritime and land borders.

“There is no reason to take any steps to suspend the Schengen area rules, but there is reason to strengthen the presence of security forces at the border controls closest to the events, namely at Portugal’s southern maritime and land borders,” said Montenegro.

Approximately 60,000 migrants are estimated to have entered Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, from Morocco over the last 24 hours, according to local media reports on Friday, with at least 57 people killed during the crossing attempts.

Montenegro described the situation as “serious” and stated that it requires close monitoring. He also urged against “hysteria” and called for prudent and realistic decision-making.

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior estimates that 48,300 migrants had returned to Morocco by Friday at 6:00 PM local time, many of whom returned voluntarily after realising they would not be able to stay in Spain or continue their journey to the mainland.