Hundreds of migrants who recently arrived in Ceuta, a North African enclave of Spain, held a demonstration on a popular urban beach to advocate for asylum from Spanish authorities instead of being returned to Morocco. They are part of the 5,000 to 8,000 migrants who remain in Ceuta following a mass border crossing that occurred two weeks ago, where over 72,000 people entered the small territory with an approximate population of 80,000. The majority of individuals voluntarily returned in the days that followed.
Facing strained city resources, most migrants are living in challenging conditions on El Trampolin beach or the outskirts of the city while hoping for an opportunity to travel to mainland Europe. Ayoub Elarroud from Tetouan, Morocco, expressed the difficulties they are enduring, sleeping near the sea in harsh conditions and facing obstacles from the police when attempting to access the city center.
During the protest, migrants displayed Spanish flags and banners with messages like “We don’t want to go back to Morocco” and “We are also human,” voicing their exhaustion and the need for a solution. Some migrants were seen washing clothes or fishing on the rocky shores behind them.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated earlier that irregularly entered migrants would not be permitted to stay in Ceuta, travel to mainland Spain, or obtain legal status except in rare cases of extreme vulnerability. Ceuta’s medical board head, Enrique Roviralta, highlighted the overwhelming strain on health services, with a shortage of healthcare workers and a slow response from the central government. He noted the emergence of diseases such as infectious diarrhea and scabies, alongside a rise in violence-related injuries.
Health Minister Monica Garcia refuted claims of collapsed local health services but acknowledged the pressure they are facing. She emphasized the unjust and xenophobic nature of associating migration with illness, mentioning a moderate risk of epidemic outbreaks for migrants and a low risk for residents.
Migrants interviewed revealed that poor working conditions in Morocco, despite their qualifications, motivated their migration. They cited inadequate salaries, making it challenging to afford housing or start a family. The migrants expressed a strong desire to work in Europe, with some sharing their harrowing journeys from conflict-ridden regions, seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Individuals from various countries, such as Bangladesh, Senegal, and Nigeria, recounted their arduous journeys and reasons for seeking asylum or better opportunities in Ceuta. Mohammad Ismail Hossain’s journey through multiple countries following a mass uprising in Bangladesh, and Ousmane’s quest for asylum due to persecution over his sexual orientation, depict the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by migrants.
Despite the difficulties and uncertainties they encounter, migrants in Ceuta remain hopeful for better prospects and opportunities while navigating the complex immigration landscape.
