Spain’s Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Regohas reaffirmed that many of the underage migrants who have arrived in Ceuta in recent weeks will remain in Spain She pointed to preparations under way for transfers to the mainland and stressed that child protection and individual assessment of cases must take priority. The remarks follow public statements by the government in Madrid and the Ministry for Youth and Children on 18 and 21 September 2026.
Rego said the children’s reception and legal status would be assessed more quickly, while accommodation, guardianship and access to education must also be secured. Her ministry is coordinating with other state bodies and the Ceuta Regional Administration She called on local authorities to complete the necessary administrative steps so that minors in urgent need of protection could be transferred promptly to suitable facilities on mainland Spain.
According to government statements published by La Moncloa regular situation updates on Ceuta. The number of arrivals fluctuates, while returns following border crossings take place alongside protection procedures for minors. Rego did not give a final figure for how many children will remain in Spain permanently, instead referring to regularly updated reports. She did make clear that minors are entitled to special protection and that cases are assessed individually, including the possibility of family reunification.
The political situation remains sensitive. Representatives of various parties are either criticising the crisis response or calling for faster action. The government considers coordinated transfers, ensuring capacity in protective accommodation and providing additional resources for youth services to be priorities. The Ministry for Youth and Children also points to child protection standards that apply regardless of country of origin.
Rego cautioned against generalisations: decisions on whether minors remain in the country or are returned must be legally sound, proportionate and guided by the best interests of the child. Different procedures apply to adults arriving in Spain, coordinated by the interior authorities. Overall, the government aims to ease pressure on overcrowded facilities in Ceuta and share the burden with other regions of Spain without lowering protection standards.
The next steps depend on formal coordination between Madrid and the Regional Administration of Ceuta. Once the administrative requirements are in place, relocations are to take place gradually and ongoing checks are to continue.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).