Spain resumes returning Moroccan migrants from Algeciras detention center through Ceuta

Spanish authorities have resumed returning hundreds of migrants from an immigration detention center in Algeciras to Morocco through Ceuta, handing them over to Moroccan authorities at the Tarajal border crossing after several years of suspension, Spanish newspaper El Faro de Ceuta reported.

According to the newspaper, a document submitted by Spain’s National Police to Judge María Tardón of the National Court recorded 227 such returns as of Oct. 23. Police sources cited by the newspaper said the overall number had exceeded 400.

The figures concern migrants detained inside Spanish territory. Under the procedure, individuals are transferred from the Foreigners’ Detention Center (CIE) in Algeciras to Ceuta before being returned to Morocco through the Tarajal crossing.

The newspaper said police documented the transfers as part of a judicial investigation into the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta on July 30 and 31.

The resumption follows a suspension lasting several years. According to the report, Morocco stopped accepting returns through this route before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the arrangement remained suspended after the border closure and subsequent reopening.

The latest figures indicate that Morocco has resumed accepting the return of Moroccan nationals through this mechanism. They do not, however, indicate a general change in its position on receiving migrants of other nationalities.

Separate dispute over returns of migrants from other countries

The developments come amid reports published in Spain on Oct. 26 and 27 that Moroccan authorities had refused entry to a group of 16 migrants transferred from Ceuta by Spanish authorities.

The group included nationals of sub-Saharan African countries and was reportedly left stranded in the border area, according to the Elín Association.

Spanish newspaper El País also reported that Moroccan authorities had not allowed the group to enter the country following their transfer from Ceuta under Spain’s return procedures.

The incident prompted criticism from human rights organizations over legal safeguards for individuals seeking international protection. Spanish authorities, meanwhile, said the returns took place after protection applications had been rejected and no appeals had been filed within the applicable legal deadlines.

Morocco signals willingness to cooperate on migration returns

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita addressed the issue during a meeting with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, on Sept. 24.

Bourita said Morocco was prepared to cooperate on the return of migrants who had entered Ceuta during the July incidents.

He also said the failure to return some individuals, including minors, did not reflect a lack of willingness on Morocco’s part, pointing instead to difficulties on the Spanish side.

According to figures presented by the Spanish government in November, a total of 15,671 migrants had returned from Ceuta to Morocco. The figure included 14,942 voluntary returns, 277 deportations and 452 readmissions.