Kathmandu— Hundreds of Moroccan migrants protested in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Sunday, demanding asylum after an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 people crossed into the territory from Morocco last month. The surge, which saw roughly 72,000 migrants enter Ceuta between July 30-31 – equivalent to nearly 70% of the enclave’s population – has strained local resources and sparked a dispute over the fate of those who remain, with Spain facing criticism from other EU nations for its handling of the situation.

Mass Influx Strains Resources

The recent influx of migrants has placed significant strain on Ceuta’s reception centers, hospitals, and law enforcement. Approximately 7,000 to 9,000 migrants remain in the enclave following the July crossings, creating logistical challenges for local authorities. The initial surge occurred after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla could not be immediately deported, a decision Spanish officials believe was exploited by trafficking networks.

Asylum Requests Face Opposition

Ceuta Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas has called for asylum claims linked to the surge to be rejected and migrants returned to Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska echoed this stance, stating that irregular arrivals would generally not be allowed to remain in Ceuta or obtain legal status, except in cases of extreme vulnerability. However, judicial associations have argued that all asylum claims must be assessed individually, emphasizing that illegal entry does not disqualify someone from seeking protection.

Protests and Border Security

Several hundred migrants staged a sit-in on a Ceuta beach Sunday, urging Spanish authorities to grant them asylum. Footage shows protesters waving Spanish flags and chanting “We need asylum!” One protester told the Ruptly video agency, “We Moroccans are protesting without food or water, we will continue sitting here.” Meanwhile, Moroccan police stopped another wave of nearly 300 migrants attempting to enter Ceuta on Saturday, arresting 61 individuals accused of facilitating the attempt.

EU Divisions and Criticism

The crisis has deepened divisions within the European Union. Multiple EU members have blamed Spain for undermining the bloc’s security, with some calling for its exclusion from the Schengen borderless travel zone. Italy introduced temporary checks on travelers arriving from Spain, while France tightened border security. Madrid responded by imposing reciprocal restrictions on travelers from Italy, branding the measures as “selfish” and “unlawful.” The European Commission has largely remained on the sidelines, praising Madrid’s efforts to prevent migrants from reaching mainland Europe but stopping short of offering substantial backing.

Broader Migration Debate

Migration remains a contentious issue across the EU, fueled by concerns over sexual abuse cases involving migrants. Critics argue that Brussels’ asylum protections and expanded legal migration pathways have inadvertently incentivized illegal immigration. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev also weighed in, blaming EU policies for the influx and suggesting migrants were coming to “personally thank” officials responsible for what he termed “migration incentives.”

The situation in Ceuta remains tense as Spanish authorities grapple with managing the large number of migrants while navigating political pressure from within the EU and addressing concerns about border security.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.