Moroccan Migrants Return From Ceuta After Weeks of Hardship

Agadir – Some Moroccan migrants who entered Ceuta during the mass influx in late July are returning to Morocco after weeks of difficult living conditions and uncertainty over their future in the Spanish occupied enclave. 

Among those returning is 22-year-old Aiman, who spent 35 days in Ceuta after crossing into the enclave shortly before the arrival of thousands of migrants. According to newspaper ARA, he returned to Morocco on Thursday after spending much of his time sleeping on the streets.

The young man relied mainly on food distributed by social organizations and, on some occasions, reportedly took food from garbage bins.

“I am returning to Morocco because there is no solution here,” Aiman told ARA, adding that he had been told that migrants would eventually be sent back.

After weeks of hardship, Aiman decided to return home and try to make a living in Morocco, according to the outlet.

ARA reported that he is among hundreds of migrants who have returned to Morocco since the mass arrival in late July. While some left only days after crossing into Ceuta, others have gradually returned after facing difficulties finding accommodation and prospects for establishing a life in the enclave.

Many other cases of migrants returning to Morocco have also been reported. In addition to the hardships migrants have faced in Ceuta, they have also been targeted during recent protests, with some residents expressing hostility toward them and damaging or destroying their belongings.

Residents have also targeted organizations providing humanitarian assistance to migrants, disrupting access to basic necessities and support services during their stay in Ceuta.

In this regard, the European Union is preparing to send a technical mission to Ceuta this week to assess the situation in Ceuta following the mass crossings.

The mission will determine where additional European support could be provided, responding to a request for emergency funding.