Spain: Almost all irregular migrants who crossed into Ceuta have returned to Morocco

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has made a statement regarding irregular migrants who crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain's territory in North Africa. In a post on his social media account, Albares reported that "almost all" of those who entered the region have returned to Morocco.

Albares emphasized that police checks and identification are mandatory for travel from Ceuta and Melilla to the Spanish mainland. Responding to debates regarding the security of the Schengen Area, the minister stated, "It is not possible to cross from Ceuta and Melilla to the Spanish mainland without police checks and identification. The integrity of the Schengen Area is fully guaranteed. Stop the deliberate disinformation."

SUPPORT FROM THE EU TO MADRID

Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, also made a statement on the matter via his social media account. Stating that he had spoken with Albares by phone, Brunner said the Spanish minister reported that, as a result of the efforts carried out, almost all of the irregular migrants who had crossed into Ceuta had returned to Morocco.

Brunner emphasized that not a single person had crossed into the EU mainland. Stating that they are in contact with ministers across Europe, Brunner said, "We will maintain our close contact and are in communication with ministers across Europe."

Because Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories in North Africa, they frequently appear on the agenda regarding European Union border management and irregular migration. The recent statements focused on the message that the crossings did not extend to the Spanish mainland and that the Schengen order was not affected.