Thousands of Moroccan migrants have returned to the northern city of Fnideq after taking part in the largest mass crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta between July 29 and 31, marking the biggest single breach of the territory’s border on record.
The surge followed a Spanish Supreme Court ruling stating that migrants who swim into Spanish territory cannot be deported immediately without an individual legal assessment.
Ceuta, a Spanish-administered enclave on Morocco’s northern coast, has long been a focal point of migration. While Spain exercises control over the territory, Morocco continues to claim sovereignty over it.
In interviews, several returnees described facing severe hardship after reaching Ceuta, including shortages of food and drinking water, the closure of shops and restaurants, and, in some cases, physical assaults.
Despite the difficulties, many said the experience had not diminished their determination to seek a future in Europe, even as the migration crisis continues to strain relations between Rabat and Madrid.
According to local officials, between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta as of Monday, while more than 69,000 people had already returned to Morocco following the unprecedented border crossing.