Morocco Rights Group Challenges Passport Rules for Ceuta and Melilla Entry

In a letter addressed to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 27, the AMDH explains that it is "dangerous" for Moroccan agents stationed at the border to require their fellow citizens to have a visa to be able to access Ceuta and Melilla. According to the Association, the measures implemented by Morocco since the reopening of the borders on May 17 constitute "an official and express renunciation of part of the national territory (in reference to the two Spanish autonomous cities)".

"For these reasons, the AMDH addresses you, Mr. Minister [...], to ask you to immediately and definitively put an end to any form of Spanish colonization of any part or zone of the national territory," concludes the letter. In the joint declaration of April 7, marking the beginning of a new stage in their relations, Morocco and Spain agreed to "normalize the circulation of people and goods in an orderly manner, including the appropriate mechanisms for controlling people and land and maritime customs".