Spain Extends Border Closure with Morocco to May 15, Prepares for Gradual Reopening

The decision was made to allow the Spanish government to finalize with the Moroccan authorities the conditions for the reopening of the border posts in Ceuta and Melilla "subject to modification before this deadline," indicates the decree of the Ministry of the Interior published this Saturday in the Official State Gazette (BOE) which specifies that the measure takes effect on May 1 at 00 hours and ends on May 15 at midnight.

This period will be used by the Spanish-Moroccan working group, whose work will resume shortly, to analyze all the aspects of the reopening of the borders closed since March 13, 2020, explains the Ministry of the Interior in a press release, ensuring that all measures are being taken to guarantee the safety of people and property at the borders of Ceuta and Melilla.

In addition, delegations from Spain and Morocco will meet on Thursday, May 5 in Rabat to prepare for Operation Marhaba 2022, suspended since 2020. On Friday, May 6, the migration working group will also meet in the Moroccan capital.