Following the sudden surge of migrants crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Moroccan authorities have confirmed their willingness to assist in the repatriation of unaccompanied minors currently stranded there.

In response to the situation, Morocco has expressed readiness to facilitate the return of unaccompanied minors present in Ceuta after tens of thousands crossed illegally from Moroccan territory into the Spanish territory in recent days. However, a diplomatic source noted that legal hurdles within Spain’s judicial system may complicate the process.

According to an unnamed source quoted by the official Moroccan news agency MAP, Rabat has pledged to identify these minors and support their return to their home countries while collaborating closely with Spanish and European partners.

Still, the source emphasized that these partners must internally address the administrative, legislative, and judicial barriers hindering the operation’s progress.

Record surge of 72,000 migrants into Ceuta

Over several days in late July, approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta illegally—a figure that shattered previous records for such a short period. Officials in Madrid report that 70,000 of these individuals have since been returned to Morocco. However, children remaining in Ceuta cannot be deported due to legal protections.

Local authorities in Ceuta estimate that of the 2,000 people still present, over 1,000 are unaccompanied minors. Their exact nationalities remain unspecified. On Thursday, multiple advocacy groups raised alarms about the heightened risks these children face, including exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.

Tragically, at least 80 lives have been lost, primarily due to drowning, according to a Spanish forensic medicine commission. Meanwhile, Moroccan officials have confirmed 11 fatalities on their side of the border.