Spain has said entering the country irregularly through its North African enclaves of Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the territory, travel to the mainland or move freely within Europe.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement said “no court ruling has changed this.”
The ministry said a recent Supreme Court ruling “clarifies which procedure applies to those arriving by sea” but “does not amend the Immigration Act,” “does not declare refusal of entry at the border unlawful,” “does not open any route of entry,” and “does not prevent returns.”
It added that authorities reinforced the border with a 500-metre maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal breakwater, describing it as “compatible with the ruling and with returns.”
Ceuta crossers returned
According to the ministry, nearly all of those who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 have already been returned to Morocco.
