Morocco offers to repatriate minors from Ceuta, seeks Spain's cooperation
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Morocco's Justice Minister Abdelatif Wahbi announced readiness to repatriate Moroccan minors from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Rabat seeks Madrid's agreement on procedures for returning minors and transferring the bodies of deceased migrants. The announcement comes amid a migration crisis after over 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta on July 30-31, 2026.
Key Facts
- Morocco's Justice Minister Abdelatif Wahbi said the country is ready to send buses to Ceuta to bring back Moroccan minors.
- Wahbi called on Spain to agree on procedures and provide necessary documents, noting that some minors in Ceuta are citizens of other countries.
- Morocco has requested medical records and identification data from Spain for deceased migrants, saying it cannot yet confirm all were Moroccan citizens.
- More than 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco on July 30-31, 2026, which Spain called an attack and a violation of sovereignty.
Repatriation Offer
Morocco's Justice Minister Abdelatif Wahbi announced readiness to accept Moroccan minors currently in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Rabat is prepared to send buses to Ceuta for the return of Moroccan minors, Wahbi said. He urged Spain to agree on the procedure and provide necessary documents, noting that among the minors in the city are citizens of other countries. Wahbi also stated that Morocco does not refuse to receive the bodies of deceased migrants.
Identification of Deceased
Moroccan authorities have requested medical documents and data from Spain to identify the deceased. Wahbi said it is not yet possible to confirm that all the deceased were Moroccan citizens. The minister emphasized the need for clear rules on both the return of minors and the transfer of bodies.
Migration Crisis Context
More than 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco on July 30-31, 2026. Spanish authorities called the influx an attack and a violation of sovereignty, deploying the army to contain the situation. Wahbi criticized social media influence, saying online posts may have encouraged teenagers and young people to go to Ceuta. He said Moroccan authorities acted with restraint during the mass gathering to avoid casualties among young people and minors. Wahbi called for a long-term agreement between Morocco, Spain, and the European Union, saying a security-only approach is insufficient.
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Morocco offers to repatriate minors from Ceuta, seeks Spain's cooperation
