Thousands of migrants remain in limbo in Spain's Ceuta as authorities scramble
Spain struggles to shelter and process thousands of migrants still in Ceuta weeks after a record border surge.
Weeks after a massive border surge, thousands of migrants remain in the Spanish territory of Ceuta, living in makeshift camps and waiting for authorities to decide their fate. On Thursday, police moved a large group from a beach to temporary shelters, but many others still roam the city, sleeping rough or in crowded reception centers.
The crisis began in late July when more than 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco in a matter of days. Most were quickly returned, but an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 remain, according to conflicting counts from city officials and Spain's interior ministry. The city of 84,000 has been overwhelmed, with aid groups distributing thousands of meals daily.
Among those left in limbo is Khadija Rifai, a 20-year-old Moroccan who swam to Ceuta with her husband. He was sent back, but she hid from authorities and stayed. "They help the minors and the youngsters, but they haven't found any solutions for us," she said. She hopes to reach mainland Spain and start a family.
The U.N. refugee agency has urged Spain to process asylum claims quickly, estimating that about 1,200 migrants could qualify for international protection. Many come from conflict-ridden countries like Sudan, Mali, and Yemen. Spain's migration ministry says it is working case by case, but first police must identify everyone and verify their backgrounds.
Spain has allocated €6.5 million in emergency funds and secured space for 1,800 migrants in a parking lot and a military facility. Yet Ceuta's mayor, Juan Jesús Vivas, criticized the national government for not doing enough, saying the recent relocations do not show "a will to fix the problem."
Migrants like Mohamed Yaqoub, an 18-year-old from Chad, say they are willing to wait. He hid in the woods for days after being chased by soldiers and now hopes to continue his studies in France. "The most important thing for us is to get the papers," he said. But leaving Ceuta is difficult because exit checks at ports and airports block those who entered illegally from reaching the European mainland.