Spain and Morocco Negotiate Border Reopening Amid Diplomatic Thaw

Spain and Morocco do not agree on the opening of the borders of Ceuta, despite the clearly expressed willingness of King Mohammed VI and Pedro Sánchez to restore diplomatic relations. For the moment, neither Spain nor Morocco have announced an official date for the reopening of the border, but the two countries seem to be showing an interest in the subject, believes Ceuta Agora which specifies that according to the rumors, the borders could be reopened in the last quarter and in any case, before the end of the year.

To read: Moroccan Workers Urge Border Reopening with Spanish Enclaves Amid Diplomatic Talks

For Morocco, the border will only be opened to allow Moroccans with regular employment contracts in Ceuta to go there and those residing in Ceuta to enter Morocco. But no Spaniard or resident of the autonomous city will be able to access Morocco through the Tarajal border.

For its part, the Spanish government intends to strengthen border control in Ceuta to ensure compliance with the length of stay of foreigners. But it no longer mentioned the obligation to impose a visa on the inhabitants of Tetouan, an announcement made after the arrival in May of thousands of migrants in Ceuta, including at least 2,000, including minors estimated at 700, who continue to stay in the autonomous city.

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

The system put in place by Spain to limit illegal immigration seems to be bearing fruit. The 125 migrants who recently arrived in Spain from the Al Hoceima rock have been repatriated to Morocco. Similarly, migrants who try to reach Ceuta by swimming are immediately returned to Morocco.