Migration rules tightened in aftermath of Ceuta crisis and following criticism from other EU countries
MADRID – Spain is fast-tracking asylum procedures and the return of undocumented migrants as a step to bring national legislation in line with tougher EU rules.
The arrival of up to 80,000 irregular migrants in late July in Ceuta, Spain’s North African exclave, plunged the country into one of its worst recent migration crises.
Reaction across Europe was harsh. Countries such as Italy and Finland swiftly called for the closure of the Schengen Area with Spain. Rome followed through with border controls and European leaders rallied against Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister, over his previous pro-migration agenda.
Yet, at least 10,000 irregular migrants remain stranded in Ceuta, a city of roughly 84,000 people. Speaking in Parliament, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said on Thursday the top priority for Madrid is to “locate, assist, and begin the processes of repatriation, family reunification, or asylum for the migrants who remain in Ceuta.”
