Spain to Begin Relocating Migrant Children From Ceuta to Mainland

Spain is preparing to transfer hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children from the overcrowded North African enclave of Ceuta to mainland Spain within the coming weeks, as authorities struggle to manage a sharp increase in arrivals.

Spain’s Youth Minister, Sira Rego, said 1,342 migrant minors have so far been registered in Ceuta, with additional staff being deployed to help manage the situation.

Authorities are prioritising girls and children under the age of 13 for relocation to mainland reception facilities.

The crisis follows a major border crossing on July 30, when Spanish authorities said as many as 72,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta from Morocco by land and sea. Dozens reportedly died during the rush, while most of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco.

However, hundreds of unaccompanied children remain in Ceuta, placing significant pressure on the territory’s limited reception facilities.

Rego acknowledged the difficult conditions, including children sleeping on the streets, and said two schools had been opened while additional buildings were being assessed as potential reception centres.

«“It might only be a matter of a few weeks before we start seeing minors transferred to and welcomed on the mainland,” Rego said.»

Ceuta’s local authorities said existing facilities can accommodate only about 90 children but are already overwhelmed by roughly 1,100 unaccompanied minors who arrived before the latest border rush.

Morocco offers to take back minors

Morocco has offered to cooperate with Spain and other European countries in returning unaccompanied minors who crossed into Ceuta.

Spain says Morocco’s proposal will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with officials stressing that the welfare and rights of each child must be protected.

Spanish authorities also said specialised teams would assess each child’s circumstances and facilitate family reunification whenever possible.

Meanwhile, Spain’s far-right opposition has criticised plans to transfer the minors to mainland Spain, where regional governments are responsible for receiving and caring for them.

Local residents and humanitarian organisations believe the actual number of migrant minors in Ceuta could be several thousand.If you want, I can also make it shorter and more suitable for a Facebook news post.

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