Madrid is reportedly set to provide shelter for 10,000 undocumented migrants in Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta, contradicting earlier claims by the Sánchez government and suggesting that the situation in the small city continues to be critical.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated last month that only around 5,000 illegal immigrants remained in Ceuta after a significant surge of over 70,000 migrants from Morocco in July. However, reports suggest that the actual number is much higher.
According to the Spanish newspaper ABC, La Moncloa is planning to expand its accommodation options for asylum seekers in the coming month to accommodate approximately 10,000 migrants.
This would add to the 2,000 beds already reserved for unaccompanied minors in the city, many of whom were left behind by their families during the recent crisis, as they might have better chances of gaining refugee status due to their age.
The report noted that the government’s actions would contradict its previous assertions regarding the number of undocumented individuals in Ceuta, where many are still living in makeshift tents on Trampolin Beach.
The government intends to find housing for these migrants “sufficiently far” from the city center to help restore some level of normalcy to Ceuta, which has seen its population increase by over ten percent since the onset of the crisis.
However, the ongoing need for housing indicates that the crisis is likely to persist well into next year, given that almost all of the migrants are seeking asylum and thus entitled to have their claims processed under EU rules.
ABC highlighted that while many migrants may not qualify for asylum, they can still access free housing, food, and healthcare meant for asylum seekers while officials handle the thousands of pending cases. Due to the often-delayed processes, Spain’s Ministry of Migration expects that around 6,000 migrants will remain in Ceuta at the beginning of next year.
While the government seems focused on restoring a sense of normality, it’s uncertain how achievable that is, especially with thousands of undocumented immigrants putting pressure on the city’s limited resources. The healthcare system is feeling the strain, as many migrants seek medical assistance for a variety of ailments.
Frustrated with the lack of response from the Ministry of Health in Madrid, the local Cemsatse union, which represents Ceuta’s healthcare workers, has announced plans for a strike by September 24th.
This strike undermines the assertions made by Spanish Health Minister Mónica García, who claimed that the sudden increase in newcomers has not overwhelmed the healthcare system. García, a member of the Más Madrid party, also controversially described as “xenophobic” the suggestion that these migrants brought diseases, despite confirmed cases of tuberculosis and other infectious illnesses.
Additionally, concerns have emerged about possible geopolitical motives from the Islamist Alawite regime in Morocco, with former Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya suggesting that the migrant situation may be part of a “hybrid attack” orchestrated by Rabat to further its aspirations of reclaiming Ceuta after centuries of Spanish governance.
This follows a report from Spain’s National Police stating they have evidence that Moroccan state agents, in both uniform and civilian attire, were seen directing migrants toward border crossings during the July influx. Morocco has denied any involvement.
