Spain returns 16 migrants to Morocco from Ceuta

Spain deported 16 migrants from the North African enclave of Ceuta on Tuesday. The Spanish Interior Ministry confirmed the move, stating that the individuals were sent to Morocco after their asylum applications were rejected. Morocco agreed to receive the group. This marks the first such deportation since a large-scale border crossing occurred in late July.

Non-governmental organizations reported that the 16 individuals came from African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. Amnesty International criticized the action. Virginia Alvarez, an Amnesty International researcher, said the Spanish government was not ensuring human rights guarantees for people crossing into Ceuta and Melilla. She noted that Morocco does not respect many human rights. Alvarez added that Spain is failing to meet its obligations despite its progressive stance in Europe.

The Spanish government disputes the criticism. The Interior Ministry told Reuters that the European Union considers Morocco a safe country. The ministry said deportations are carried out with all necessary safeguards. Madrid maintains that the process follows established legal protocols.

The deportation follows a crisis that began in late July. Approximately 80,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco over a 48-hour period. At least 100 people died during the mass crossing. Ceuta is an autonomous city covering 18.5 square kilometers with a population of about 80,000. The event strained local resources and infrastructure.

The situation has become a central issue in Spanish politics. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is seeking re-election in snap polls scheduled for November 29. Tens of thousands of protesters have gathered across the country in recent months to denounce the government's handling of the crisis. Right-wing parties have used the issue to attack Sanchez. Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox Party, has called the prime minister a traitor.

Most migrants who entered Ceuta in late July left within days. About 8,000 migrants still remain in the territory. Some sleep on the streets. Others are housed by Spain, charities, and civil society groups. The government continues to manage the population while preparing for the upcoming election.