More than 600 migrants have voluntarily left Ceuta during the last 48 hours to return to Morocco. The departures are progressing gradually after some of those who remained in the city have realized that they will not be able to continue their journey to the Peninsula irregularly, according to police sources.
The estimate used at the beginning of these returns placed the number of people still in Ceuta after the massive entry on July 30 at around 10,000. The Government updated the figure this Thursday and estimates that there are now around 8,000 left.
In recent days, thousands of people have waited scattered at different points in the city while their situation was clarified. Many had arrived with the intention of reaching the Peninsula and did not know if they could be transferred or remain in Spanish territory.
The confirmation that adults without the right to stay will have to face the corresponding return procedures has led some to return of their own accord. The movement slowly reduces the pressure on care, identification, and security services, although the situation remains far from normal.
The authorities maintain the device deployed after a massive entry that the Government now places above 80,000 people. Around 90% have returned to Morocco since the beginning of the crisis.
Minors and asylum seekers follow a different procedure
The pending figure includes profiles with very different legal situations. The Executive estimates that nearly 2,500 are minors and that another 2,500 people could request international protection for coming from countries in conflict or alleging risk of persecution.
These cases require an individual study. The Interior Ministry has already opened more than 400 international protection files and must check each application before deciding on permanence or return. Minors also cannot be automatically returned and must remain under protection while their families are located and it is determined which option best serves their interests.
The official estimate of 2,500 minors far exceeds the 1,342 who had been initially registered in the reception system. Organizations working on the ground also warn that there are still children and adolescents sleeping on the streets or in temporary facilities.
The Government and the autonomous communities address this Thursday an extraordinary credit of 25 million euros to reinforce the care of minors in Ceuta. Family reunification will be the first option when it can be carried out with guarantees. The rest must be taken in by the autonomous protection systems.
A technical team from the Ministry of Youth and Childhood will arrive in Ceuta this Sunday to complete the identifications and prepare the first referrals. While these files advance, voluntary returns continue on the other side of the border.
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