Spain to allow 500 children in Ceuta to go to mainland in immigration U-turn
The Spanish government has reversed its policy to allow 500 unaccompanied migrant children currently in Ceuta to relocate to the Spanish mainland. This decision follows significant political pressure and concerns regarding the humanitarian conditions of children living on the streets.
Why it matters
The move highlights the ongoing tension between EU border management, humanitarian obligations, and the political friction between Spain's central government and regional authorities.
Tents being set up in a public car park in Ceuta on Tuesday. Tents being set up in a public car park in Ceuta on Tuesday. Spain Spain to allow 500 children in Ceuta to go to mainland in immigration U-turn Madrid government changes stance after previously saying anyone who entered territory illegally would be sent back
Prefer the Guardian on Google The Spanish government has U-turned and said it will allow 500 migrant children in Ceuta to relocate to the mainland.
The majority of the estimated 70,000 people who crossed into Ceuta – a Spanish territory on the coast of north Africa – on 30 July have returned to Morocco. However, under Spanish law, the state has a duty of care to young, unaccompanied migrants until they reach the age of 18.
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