Morocco and Spain agree to return all migrants who swam to Ceuta

Authorities in Rabat and Madrid have reached an agreement to return all migrants who swam to the city of Ceuta in recent days, according to a Moroccan source familiar with the matter. The repatriation process is being carried out through joint coordination between the relevant authorities in both countries, aiming to manage the situation following a surge in migrant crossings by sea, Hespress reported.

Spanish authorities announced on Thursday that hundreds of migrants had entered Ceuta by sea in recent days, with local television footage showing migrants swimming along the border before entering the city. Juan Jesús Vivas, president of Ceuta’s local government, said the city is facing a full-scale humanitarian and social emergency.

Spain’s Ministry of the Interior said in a statement that Madrid and Rabat have agreed to strengthen coordination and intensify efforts to address irregular migration flows toward Ceuta, with a commitment to review and implement measures to return all those who entered the city illegally as soon as possible.

The ministry noted that cooperation between Spain and Morocco is exemplary in various fields, especially migration, and that coordination covers the recent influx of irregular migrants. It added that human trafficking networks are exploiting a court ruling to encourage migrant flows, with most of those involved being young people.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska expressed his gratitude to Moroccan authorities for the efforts of their security forces in recent days, stating that these interventions have thwarted thousands of irregular migration attempts. The source added that Morocco and Spain have agreed to further strengthen coordination and joint efforts to address these flows, as well as to review and implement procedures for returning those who entered Ceuta illegally.

The agreement comes amid a rise in migrant arrivals to the enclave, prompting Spanish authorities to intensify their actions and coordinate closely with Morocco to contain the situation.