Moroccan authorities have confirmed this weekend that they are denying entry of cross-border workers holding limited-validity visas issued by Spanish consulates in Morocco to Ceuta and Melilla, sources told Al Ahdath al Maghribia.
This move throws a major hurdle for workers who rely on these short-term visas, typically valid for 24 hours, to enter the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to process official paperwork with Spanish authorities.
Border officials have received strict instructions to deny entry to anyone holding the special 24-hour visas issued by the Spanish consulates in Tetouan and Nador. This effectively cuts off a crucial pathway for many workers, particularly domestic employees, who rely on these visas to cross the border and complete necessary documentation.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 2,200 Moroccan women were registered as social security contributors in Ceuta alone.
The number of cross-border migrants in Ceuta is now around a thousand, approximately 70% domestic workers.
Estimates suggest the total number of cross-border workers, both documented and undocumented, could have reached as high as 8,000.
The sudden halt to this flow of workers creates uncertainty for both employees and employers in Ceuta and Melilla.
The motives behind Morocco’s decision remain unclear. Arantxa Campos, president of the Confederation of Businessmen of Ceuta, suggests Morocco might be aiming to push these workers towards becoming permanent residents of Ceuta rather than maintaining their cross-border status.
The Spanish government has yet to make a formal statement on the matter. The near month-long silence has only added to the anxiety of affected workers and their families.
The situation is the latest wrinkle in the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Spain over the status of Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco has long contested Spanish sovereignty over the two North African cities.
The border between Morocco and the enclaves remains closed for commercial traffic, despite promises of an imminent reopening.
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