Rabat – Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the vast majority of migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta have already returned to Morocco.
Europa Press quoted the ministry, which also commented on the recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling, rejecting claims that the decision prevents migrants’ returns.
“It does not amend the Immigration Law. It does not declare border pushbacks illegal. It does not open any new route of entry. It does not prevent returns,” the Spanish ministry said.
The ministry warned that entering Spain irregularly through Ceuta and Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the European country, recalling that the 500-meter maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal breakwater is “compatible with the court ruling and with the return procedures.”
A Moroccan government source also commented on the Spanish Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing that a Spanish judge cannot dismantle the system for combating irregular migration and ask Morocco to bear the consequences.
“The migration barrier did not collapse because of smugglers, but because of a Spanish court ruling,” the source said, stressing that Morocco has never failed “in fulfilling its commitments and responsibilities.”
The source emphasized that Morocco is committed to continuing its responsibilities, stressing that Rabat has never acted under pressure, out of obligation, or in response to blackmail, while rejecting the notion of being seen as Europe’s border concierge and emphasizing that migration should be addressed through shared responsibility.
The source recalled that on July 8, a Spanish judge ruled that migrants arriving by sea could not be subject to automatic returns — “which lies at the heart of our deterrence system.”
