Tens of Thousands of Immigrants Return to Morocco from Ceuta Following Mass Crossing
An estimated 69,500 migrants have been reported to have returned to Morocco from Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous territory in North Africa, within the last 30 hours. This mass return follows a large-scale wave of crossings that took place last week.
According to information from police sources confirmed to the Spanish news agency, EFE, the total figure includes migrants who had entered Ceuta prior to the mass crossing incident on Thursday (30/7). The data also includes individuals believed to have crossed into the autonomous territory and returned to Morocco more than once.
To anticipate and prevent further crossings, Spanish authorities began taking preventive measures on Saturday by installing security barricades on the Tarajal border breakwater. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior explained that this new security system consists of aerial barricades combined with anchored buoys provided by the Spanish Navy. Nevertheless, authorities have left a gap in the centre to ensure that Civil Guard vessels maintain access to patrol the border area.
The wave of returns involving tens of thousands of migrants was triggered by several key factors. Firstly, there was an official announcement regarding a joint repatriation plan agreed upon between the Spanish and Moroccan governments. Secondly, the conditions on the ground in Ceuta became difficult for migrants; limited access to basic necessities, such as the closure of shops, commercial areas, and eateries, forced many migrants to choose to return to Moroccan territory.
This migration crisis has also resulted in significant loss of life. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior noted that the death toll among migrants attempting to reach Spanish territory from Morocco has risen to 67.
Previously, on Friday (31/7), Spanish authorities estimated that more than 49,000 people had crossed into Ceuta by swimming or walking from the Moroccan city of Fnideq. The massive scale of these crossings forced the government in Madrid to deploy additional security forces, including military personnel, to control the situation at the border.