Spain Plans Transfer of Migrant Children from Ceuta to Mainland

Spain is preparing to transfer hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children from the North African enclave of Ceuta to mainland Spain within the coming weeks, as authorities struggle to cope with overcrowded reception facilities.

Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego said 1,342 migrant minors had been registered in Ceuta so far. She said additional staff would be deployed to help process the children and arrange their transfer.

The move follows a major influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30. Spanish authorities said as many as 72,000 migrants crossed by land and sea, with dozens reportedly dying during the rush. While most of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco, hundreds of unaccompanied minors remain in Ceuta.

Rego acknowledged the difficult conditions facing the children, including reports of minors sleeping on the streets. Two schools have been opened to provide additional space, while authorities are assessing other facilities that could be converted into temporary reception centres.

“We are prioritising girls, as well as boys and girls under the age of 13,” Rego said, adding that the situation remained challenging but was gradually returning to normal.

Ceuta's local government said its existing facilities could accommodate only about 90 children, while around 1,100 unaccompanied minors who arrived before the latest border rush were already in the territory.

Non-governmental organisations and residents' groups have estimated that the total number of migrant minors in Ceuta could be several thousand.

Morocco Offers to Take Back Some Children

Morocco has said it is prepared to cooperate with Spain and other European countries in returning unaccompanied minors who crossed into Ceuta.

Spain said Morocco's proposal would be considered on a case-by-case basis, with authorities stressing that the welfare and rights of each child would be protected.

Spanish officials said specialised teams would assess each minor to determine what would be in their best interests, while efforts would be made to reunite children with their families whenever possible.

Meanwhile, Spain's far-right opposition has objected to plans to transfer the minors to mainland Spain, where regional authorities would be responsible for their reception and care.

The latest crisis has also highlighted a change in the profile of child migrants arriving in Ceuta, with Spanish officials reporting an increase in unaccompanied girls and very young children compared with the major border crossing in 2021.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share