2,168 minors identified in Ceuta, Europe also wants returns to Morocco
The European Commission now considers that the return to Morocco of unaccompanied minors who have remained irregularly in Ceuta is legally possible, under certain conditions. Spain has, in parallel, raised to 2,168 the number of minors identified since the mass arrival of July 30.
The Spanish National Police has identified 2,168 minors in Ceuta since July 30, according to data from the Interior Ministry provided to Europa Press.
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This figure does not mean that all 2,168 are still in the autonomous city, nor that they can all be returned to Morocco. But Brussels has just cleared up an important ambiguity: being an unaccompanied minor does not, in itself, prevent a return to the country of origin.
On Tuesday, August 18, the European Commission spokesperson responsible for Home Affairs, Markus Lammert, indicated that people staying irregularly in Ceuta must be able to be returned, including unaccompanied minors. The Commission is calling on Spain and Morocco to cooperate on these returns, reports El País.
There is no question of automatically returning the 2,168
European law nevertheless requires an individual assessment. Before returning a minor, Spain must verify that the child can be handed over to their family, an appointed guardian or an appropriate reception facility in Morocco.
This guarantee is set out in the European directive on returns, which also requires that the best interests of the child be taken into account.
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Brussels’ position nevertheless strengthens the option of returning minors to Morocco advocated by Madrid. Rabat had already declared itself willing to cooperate in identifying and taking back its unaccompanied minors.