5,000 Moroccans Enter Spanish Territory Ceuta

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] According to AFP and other news agencies, over 5,000 Moroccans crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta in a single day on the 17th (local time).

Ceuta, bordering Morocco in North Africa, is considered a gateway into the European Union (EU), attracting many migrants dreaming of reaching Europe.

A spokesperson for the Spanish government stationed in Ceuta stated that "Moroccans of various ages, from young children to adults, entered Ceuta in an unprecedented scale."

The spokesperson explained, "After the Spanish authorities announced they would strengthen security at the Morocco-Ceuta border area, a large influx of migrants arrived."

The procession began around 2 a.m. and continued throughout the day. There were also Moroccan families with children.

Some people departed from Moroccan beaches, swimming or taking boats across several kilometers, while others took advantage of low tide to walk into Ceuta. During this process, one person died.

In the morning alone, about 100 Moroccans had set foot in Ceuta, but as time passed, the number gradually increased to over 5,000. Among them, approximately 1,500 were identified as minors.

Spain does not allow this form of asylum, but minors without adult guardians are permitted to stay on Spanish territory under government supervision.

At the end of last month, over 100 Moroccans swam to Ceuta, but most adults identified were repatriated to their home country within 48 hours.

Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a radio interview, "The government will maintain a firm stance," and that some have already begun to be sent back to Morocco.

According to data compiled by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, from January 1 to May 15 this year, 475 people arrived in Ceuta by land and sea, more than double the 203 who arrived during the same period last year.