Morocco-Spain Border Reopening Likely as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease

Nothing has changed since March 13, 2020, the date on which Morocco closed its borders with Ceuta and Melilla due to the Covid-19 health crisis. The borders have remained closed until now, despite rumors of a possible reopening of Tarajal before the end of the year. These rumors have become persistent since the Spanish Foreign Minister spoke by phone with his Moroccan counterpart, as reported by El Faro de Ceuta.

For the moment, neither Spain nor Morocco have announced an official date for the reopening of the border, even if on the Moroccan side, the work of development and reinforcement of the border is completed. In Ceuta, however, the work at the border level is still ongoing.

To read: Spain Extends Closure of Ceuta and Melilla Borders with Morocco Until October 31

Spain has extended the closure of the Ceuta border with Morocco until October 31, "subject to possible changes". In other words, Spain could reopen the border if the health situation improves. In Ceuta, new cases are rare and vaccination is progressing at a good pace. In Morocco too, the number of vaccinated people has increased significantly.

The closure of the Tarajal border crossing has severely affected Moroccan workers with ongoing employment contracts in Ceuta, particularly domestic workers. In the event of a reopening of the border, they will be the first to cross, the government delegate, Salvadora Mateos, had indicated.