Moroccan cross-border workers met with Ceuta’s government delegate on Monday, after protesting in front of the government’s headquarters against the new conditions set by the enclave following the border re-opening.
The workers have been protesting every Monday since late May in front of the government delegation, demanding “the resolution of their ambiguous status and unclear future.”
Following a two-year border closure, Morocco and Spain mended a diplomatic crisis, resulting in the launch of movement between the North African Kingdom and the enclaves.
However, the cities’ governments announced new conditions for cross-border workers, among which is that the workers leave the enclaves by nighttime after finishing their shifts.
In addition, only cross-border workers who already have a Foreigner Identification Card (TIE) or a special visa are now able to transit to Ceuta.
The special visa allows them to stay in Ceuta for only one day.
Moroccan cross-border worker Rachida Jraifi told Hespress EN that “the meeting didn’t end up with any solution that would resolve the workers’ situation.”
“Spanish authorities continue to say that only Moroccan authorities can fix their situation,” she added.
However, the worker told Hespress EN that the protesters were informed that “the Spanish Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Ministry will announce new decisions soon.”
Jraifi stated in an interview with Hespress EN subsequent to the meeting that “the last thing that was discussed during the meeting with the city official was the announcement of a possible resolution to the workers’ issue as part of these upcoming decisions,” as the protesters were no given further details or guarantees.
By the end of May, Morocco and Spain agreed on allowing Moroccan workers to access the enclaves via border crossings, although over 200 among them do not meet the required conditions to leave due to the two-year closure of borders for COVID-related causes, as most of their documentations has expired.
Up until this date, the cross-border workers are still struggling with their status, and conflicting statements from various government officials, exacerbate their precarious situation caused by the pandemic.
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