Morocco Urges Spain to Speed Up Return of Minors Stranded in Ceuta

Moroccan authorities have formally called on Spain to accelerate the return of unaccompanied minors currently in the North African enclave of Ceuta, following one of the largest undocumented border crossings in recent years.

Rachid el Khalfi, spokesman for Morocco's Interior Ministry, said the ministry is urging Spanish authorities to act within the framework of existing bilateral coordination. He stressed the need to speed up procedures for reuniting the minors with their families in Morocco, while safeguarding the children's best interests.

Many parents say their children crossed into Ceuta without consent and should be back home pursuing their education and daily routines. Some families maintain that opportunities for study and work exist in Morocco, and they are now appealing to authorities to help secure their children's return.

Ceuta, located on the North African coast and separated from Morocco by a border fence, is one of Spain's two enclaves on the continent, alongside Melilla. Though geographically in Africa, it forms part of the European Union's external border.

Between late July and early August, a massive wave of undocumented migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, triggering what Spanish officials described as the country's most severe border crisis in years. Spain has revised its estimate of the number of entrants upward, from 72,000 to 80,000.

Spanish Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres said the vast majority of those who crossed were repatriated or returned to Morocco within 24 to 48 hours. However, at least 83 people died during the mass crossing, according to the latest figures from Spanish authorities.

Moroccan officials said reuniting the minors with their families remains a priority, but legal and administrative hurdles continue to delay the process.