Key facts
- Thousands of migrants remain in the Spanish territory of Ceuta weeks after a large border surge.
- Spanish authorities are struggling to shelter and process the remaining migrants.
- Estimates of the number of migrants still in Ceuta vary between 5,000 and 10,000.
- The UN refugee agency is urging Spain to expedite asylum claims, identifying about 1,200 potential beneficiaries.
- The Spanish government has secured space for 1,800 migrants in temporary facilities.
Thousands of migrants remain in the Spanish territory of Ceuta, weeks after an initial surge saw over 72,000 people cross from Morocco. Many are living in makeshift shelters on beaches and in hills, facing humanitarian challenges as Spanish authorities struggle to accommodate and process their situations. While some migrants have been moved to temporary facilities, many, particularly adults, are uncertain about their future and Spain's plans for them.
The UN refugee agency has called for swift processing of asylum claims, estimating that around 1,200 migrants may be eligible for international protection. The Spanish government states it is working to house the remaining migrants and restore normalcy, having secured space for 1,800 individuals. However, the situation on the ground remains dire for many, with migrants continuing to roam the streets and rely on local aid.
Ceuta's Mayor has criticized the national government's response, stating that moving migrants to other locations within the city does not address the core problem. Migrants themselves express a desire for better opportunities and healthcare on mainland Spain, with some hoping to reunite with family members.