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Rabat – Ceuta and Melilla witnessed scenes of excited celebrations on Tuesday amid the reopening of the Moroccan borders with the two Spanish enclaves after over two years of closure due to COVID19 and other financial crises.
Authorities in Melilla said that some 827 people left the enclave of Ceuta, which also witnessed 318 entries hours after the reopening of the border crossing.
Meanwhile, Melilla witnessed the passing of 432 and 148 cars leaving towards Moroccan borders.
About 320 people and 127 people crossed Moroccan borders to the Spanish enclaves, El Pais reported, adding that people from both sides were heard celebrating the reopening of borders.
Crossing is restricted to citizens and residents of the EU and people who have access to the Schengen area, the Spanish newspaper said, noting that the restriction will remain in place until May 31.
Spain and Morocco agreed to reopen the Moroccan borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in April, with the decision coming after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Morocco and met with King Mohammed VI in Rabat.
Following their meeting, Sanchez and King Mohammed VI released a joint declaration announcing the immediate reopening of borders between Morocco and Spain.
The two countries also agreed to gradually open the borders between Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Last week, the Spanish Ministry of Interior announced May 17 as the start of the gradual reopening.
On the eve of the reopening, Spanish news agency EFE reported that people wanting to cross the borders between Morocco and the enclave of Melilla will need to present a negative PCR test or a COVID-19 pass confirming receipt of at least two doses of a Corona vaccine. Passengers should also expect passport stamping when passing the border with Morocco.
