Spain warns irregular entry through Ceuta, Melilla does not grant right to stay or access EU

Europe-Asia, International

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — The Spanish government has reiterated that irregular entry into the country through the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla does not confer the right to remain in Spain, travel to mainland Spain or move freely across Europe, following a recent surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco.

The clarification comes after thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta in recent days, prompting renewed scrutiny of Spain’s border management and migration policies.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Spanish government stressed that no recent court ruling has altered the country’s immigration laws or created a new pathway for irregular migrants to enter or remain in Spain.

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“Entering Spain irregularly through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, to travel to mainland Spain, or to move freely within Europe. It also poses a grave risk to life. No court ruling has changed this,” the statement said.

The government explained that the recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court merely clarified the legal procedure applicable to migrants arriving by sea and did not invalidate existing border controls or return procedures.

According to the statement, the ruling does not amend the Immigration Act, declare border refusals unlawful, create new entry routes or prevent the return of irregular migrants.

Spanish authorities also announced that security at the border has been strengthened with the installation of a 500-metre maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal breakwater in Ceuta.

The government said the new infrastructure is compatible with both the Supreme Court ruling and Spain’s return procedures, adding that nearly all migrants who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 have already been returned to Morocco.

Highlighting the uniqueness of Spain’s border controls, the government noted that Ceuta and Melilla operate under a dual border-check system.

It explained that travellers are first screened at the border with Morocco before undergoing a second Schengen border control when departing for mainland Spain by air or sea.

“No one boards without identifying themselves to the National Police,” the statement said.

The government also sought to dispel speculation linking the recent migrant arrivals to Spain’s ongoing extraordinary regularisation programme.

It clarified that the programme applies only to foreign nationals who were already residing in Spain before January 1, 2026, stressing that migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 are not eligible.

“The only route is the legal one,” the statement added.

The latest migration surge has attracted attention across the European Union, with concerns growing over its implications for regional border security and migration management.

According to reports, Italy has suspended aspects of its Schengen travel arrangements with Spain following the influx, although Spanish authorities have continued efforts to return irregular migrants to Morocco.

While thousands have already been deported, reports indicate that a number of migrants remain in Ceuta, hoping to secure an opportunity to remain in Spain or eventually reach mainland Europe.