Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares on 14 September 2026 welcomed Morocco’s repeated willingness to take back people who had 30 July 2026 and 31 July 2026 entered Ceuta irregularly. He also reaffirmed the government’s determination to investigate the events at the border fully and disclose the findings in full. He gave no specific figures for returns already carried out or timetables.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry had, on 10 September 2026 stated in a declaration that Rabat was ready to readmit those affected. At the same time, the government in Rabat warned against assigning blame prematurely without substantiated facts and referred to the Joint declaration of 7 April 2022 as the political framework for bilateral cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to clarify the situation of unaccompanied minors in accordance with the rule of law.
According to Spain, cooperation with Morocco is central to ensuring orderly procedures. The competent authorities examine each case individually, including identity, protection needs and possible residence rights. Special safeguards apply to unaccompanied minors, generally ruling out swift returns unless the child’s best interests and suitable care arrangements can be demonstrably ensured.
The latest statements from Rabat provide a political framework for returns, but do not automatically resolve operational questions. These include coordinating practical arrangements, establishing identities quickly and coordinating between Spanish and Moroccan authorities. By again emphasising cooperation, Spain signals that it wants to build on the relationship stabilised since 2022.
Albares made clear that investigations into the events at the end of July would continue independently of diplomatic efforts. The government is committed to documenting possible breaches of duty, organisational shortcomings and risks, and drawing consequences where appropriate. The minister explicitly gave no deadlines or quotas for returns.
Both the Spanish and Moroccan sides make their commitments subject to legal and humanitarian requirements. What happens next therefore depends on individual assessments, court decisions and practical cooperation. One thing is clear: returns are not possible without reliable checks of identity and status, and the protection of unaccompanied minors takes priority.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).