Hundreds of migrants who recently crossed into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta gathered for a demonstration on a popular urban beach on Sunday, calling on Spanish authorities to grant them asylum rather than deporting them back to Morocco. They were part of the 5,000 to 8,000 migrants who remained in Ceuta following a mass border crossing two weeks ago, which saw over 72,000 individuals enter the small territory of about 80,000 people. The majority of them voluntarily returned in the days that followed.
Due to the city’s strained resources, many migrants were living in precarious conditions on El Trampolin beach or the outskirts of the city while waiting for an opportunity to proceed to mainland Europe. Ayoub Elarroud from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the hardships they faced, mentioning sleeping by the sea in cold and unsanitary conditions, with limited access to the city center due to police restrictions.
During the protest, demonstrators displayed Spanish flags and banners with slogans such as “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human,” while chanting phrases like “We’re tired” and “We need a solution.” Some migrants behind them were seen washing clothes or fishing with makeshift bamboo rods on the rocky shores.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska recently stated that irregularly entered migrants would not be allowed to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Ceuta’s medical board head, Enrique Roviralta, highlighted the city’s overwhelmed healthcare workers, citing a slow response from the central government. He mentioned outbreaks of diseases like infectious diarrhea and scabies, along with an increase in violence-related injuries such as broken noses and stab wounds.
Health Minister Monica Garcia refuted claims of a collapsed health system but acknowledged the pressure it was under. She denounced linking migration to illness as unjust and xenophobic, noting a moderate risk of epidemic outbreaks among migrants and a low risk for residents.
Many Moroccan migrants interviewed expressed leaving their country due to poor working conditions despite holding higher qualifications. Mohammed Ouanzar, an automation specialist from Fez, cited low salaries that hindered his ability to afford a home or start a family. Others like Hicham Chikir and Emmanuel shared their aspirations to work in Europe for better opportunities and safety for their families.
Migrants from various countries, including Mohammad Ismail Hossain from Bangladesh and Ousmane from Senegal, recounted their arduous journeys and reasons for seeking asylum in Ceuta. Mohammad highlighted his perilous travels through multiple countries, while Ousmane mentioned facing persecution over his sexual orientation without receiving a response from local NGOs.
The situation in Ceuta remains a humanitarian challenge as the city grapples with the aftermath of the migrant surge, with organizations stretched to their limits.
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