Over 1,500 migrants arrive by sea in Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Morocco, has seen an overwhelming influx of over 1,500 migrants arriving by sea in recent days. Regional authorities have declared an "absolute humanitarian and social emergency" as reception centers are completely saturated and unable to accommodate any more individuals.

Juan Vivas, the president of the region, stated that "there is no longer room for anyone" in the existing facilities. Local television channels have broadcast images of dozens of men and adolescents swimming ashore from neighboring Morocco. This surge in arrivals marks a significant shift, as the Spanish Interior Ministry reported no sea arrivals in Ceuta until mid-July of this year. In contrast, only four people reached the enclave by sea in 2025 and 28 in 2024.

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The reception centers are overflowing and saturated, there is no longer room for anyone.

Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla are the European Union's only land borders on the African continent. The Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, is scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday to assess the evolving situation. While the sea route to Ceuta has seen a recent increase, the primary route for migrants heading to Spain remains the perilous Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands from the northwest African coast.

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absolute humanitarian and social emergency