Spain Extends Border Closure with Morocco Until September 1

While hundreds of Moroccans, stranded in the Spanish enclaves or in Morocco, were eagerly awaiting the reopening of the borders, the Spanish government has decided to extend the temporary closure until next September.

Far from being irrevocable, reports the site Alyaoum24, the decision is rather motivated by Rabat’s position, which maintains the blockade sine die at the level of the land borders.

This attitude is not to the liking of the Spanish government which, following the recommendations of the European Union which qualifies Morocco as a safe country, is awaiting a similar reaction from its Moroccan counterpart, particularly on the issue of the reopening of borders.

The principle of reciprocity has also been clearly mentioned in issue 207 of the Spanish Official Gazette, which states that "maritime, land and air borders will remain closed to non-citizens of the European area, with the exception of the countries listed by the Union, and this subject to reciprocity," referring to China and Morocco.