CEUTA, Spain — Hundreds of migrants who recently crossed into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta staged a protest on Sunday, demanding asylum and urging authorities not to return them to Morocco as they remain in difficult conditions while awaiting decisions on their future.
- Hundreds of migrants gathered on a popular Ceuta beach carrying Spanish flags and calling for asylum.
- An estimated 5,000 to 8,000 migrants remain in the enclave after a mass border crossing two weeks ago.
- Spain’s interior minister said migrants who entered irregularly would generally not be allowed to remain in Ceuta or travel to mainland Spain.
- Local health officials warned that medical services were under pressure as some illnesses and injuries increased.
Migrants in Ceuta demand asylum and legal status
The protesters gathered on El Trampolin beach, where many migrants have been living in precarious conditions. They held Spanish flags and signs reading “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human” while calling for authorities to provide a solution.
Many migrants said they were struggling with basic living conditions while waiting for an opportunity to move onward to continental Europe. Some washed clothes along the rocky shoreline, while others fished with makeshift rods.
Ayoub Elarroud, from Morocco’s Tetouan, said migrants were sleeping close to the sea in difficult conditions and alleged that police were preventing them from entering the city centre.
Spain rules out most irregular migrants staying in Ceuta
The protest comes after Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said earlier in the week that migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly would not generally be permitted to remain in the enclave, travel to mainland Spain or obtain legal status.
He said exceptions would apply in rare circumstances involving extreme vulnerability, according to the supplied Reuters report.
The situation follows a mass border crossing two weeks earlier, when more than 72,000 people entered the tiny territory. Most subsequently returned voluntarily, leaving an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 migrants still in Ceuta.
Health services under pressure in Ceuta
Conditions have also raised concerns among local healthcare workers. Enrique Roviralta, head of Ceuta’s medical board, told Onda Cero radio that healthcare staff were exhausted and criticised what he described as a slow response from the central government.
Roviralta said cases of infectious diarrhoea and scabies were emerging, while injuries including broken noses and stab wounds were also increasing.
Health Minister Monica Garcia rejected claims that the local health system had collapsed, although she acknowledged that services were under pressure.
“To associate migration with illness is unjust and xenophobic,”
Garcia said there was a moderate risk of epidemic outbreaks among migrants and a low risk for residents.
Migrants describe economic hardship and persecution
Several Moroccan migrants interviewed by Reuters said poor employment prospects had influenced their decision to seek opportunities in Europe. Mohammed Ouanzar, a 39-year-old automation specialist from Fez, said his monthly income of around 3,000 dirham, or $324, made it difficult to afford a home or start a family.
Other migrants described journeys from countries including Nigeria, Bangladesh and Senegal. Emmanuel, a 30-year-old electrician from northeastern Nigeria, said he travelled for four months through several countries after his children stopped attending school because of fears of kidnapping.
Mohammad Ismail Hossain, 34, said he left Bangladesh after the 2024 mass uprising and travelled through several countries before reaching North Africa. He described witnessing fellow travellers die of thirst while crossing the desert.
Ousmane, from southern Senegal, said he was seeking asylum after experiencing persecution over his sexual orientation. He said the uncertainty surrounding his application had become particularly difficult as he waited for responses from local NGOs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are migrants protesting in Ceuta?
Migrants are protesting to demand asylum and permission to remain in Spain rather than being returned to Morocco. Many also want the opportunity to travel onward to mainland Europe.
How many migrants remain in Ceuta?
According to the supplied Reuters report, an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 migrants remain in Ceuta after the mass border crossing, while the vast majority of those who entered subsequently returned voluntarily.
