Thousands of Migrants Estimated to Remain in Ceuta as Authorities Urged to Accelerate Returns to Morocco

Dragon Media News Desk

An estimated 8,000 to 11,000 irregular migrants may still remain in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta following a large influx in late July, according to local authorities.

Ceuta Mayor President Juan Jesus Vivas has urged the Spanish government to accelerate the return of migrants to Morocco, describing the current situation as unacceptable.

Speaking to Onda Cero radio, Vivas said estimates suggest that between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants may still be in the city. He argued that the principal way to resolve the situation is to return them to Morocco through the Tarajal border crossing.

In late July, large numbers of irregular migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco by swimming or crossing on foot through the border area. Spain subsequently deployed military personnel to assist with security and crisis management in the autonomous city.

According to the Spanish government, around 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the influx, of whom approximately 70,000 have since returned to Morocco.

However, estimates from Ceuta’s local authorities indicate that thousands may still remain in the city, highlighting the need for further coordination between regional and central authorities over the actual numbers and the return process.