Hundreds of migrants recently arrived in Ceuta, a North African enclave of Spain, gathered on a popular urban beach to demand asylum from Spanish authorities instead of being sent back to Morocco. These migrants are part of the 5,000 to 8,000 individuals who remained in Ceuta following the mass border crossing two weeks ago, where over 72,000 people entered the tiny territory with the majority voluntarily returning shortly after.
Facing overstretched resources in the city, most migrants are living in precarious conditions on El Trampolin beach or the outskirts of the city while waiting for an opportunity to move on to continental Europe. Ayoub Elarroud from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the hardships they are facing, mentioning sleeping next to the sea in cold and unsanitary conditions and being restricted by the police from accessing the city center.
During the protest, migrants displayed Spanish flags and banners with messages like “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human,” while chanting phrases such as “We’re tired” and “We need a solution.” Some migrants were seen washing clothes or fishing on the rocky shores behind the protest area.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that irregularly entered migrants would not be permitted to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or gain legal status, except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Ceuta’s medical board head, Enrique Roviralta, highlighted the strain on the city’s limited healthcare workers, citing outbreaks of diseases like infectious diarrhea and scabies, along with an increase in violence-related injuries.
Health Minister Monica Garcia denied claims of collapsed local health services but acknowledged they were under pressure. She emphasized that linking migration to illness is unjust and xenophobic and mentioned a moderate risk of epidemic outbreaks among migrants and a low risk for residents.
Moroccan migrants interviewed expressed fleeing poor working conditions in their home country, despite having higher qualifications. Many, like Mohammed Ouanzar, cited low salaries as a hindrance to buying a home or starting a family. One migrant, Emmanuel, shared his journey from Nigeria, highlighting his determination to secure a better future for his children.
The migrants in Ceuta come from diverse backgrounds, including Mohammad Ismail Hossain from Bangladesh, who recounted a challenging journey through multiple countries. Ousmane, a migrant from Senegal, sought asylum due to persecution based on his sexual orientation but was yet to receive a response from local NGOs.
The migrants’ stories reflect a mix of economic hardship, personal safety concerns, and a quest for better opportunities, portraying the complex humanitarian situation in Ceuta.
