Morocco commits to repatriating unaccompanied minors following mass migration into Ceuta

The Moroccan government has announced its willingness to collaborate with Spain and European authorities to identify and repatriate unaccompanied minors who crossed into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta during a recent surge in border crossings.

According to state news agency MAP, King Mohammed VI directed the interior and foreign affairs ministries to coordinate the identification and safe return of the young migrants to their families in Morocco.

The official statement follows diplomatic discussions aimed at addressing the logistical and legal challenges surrounding under-age migrants, who cannot be immediately turned back under standard border control agreements.

The initiative comes in the wake of a massive border influx that saw tens of thousands of individuals attempt to enter European territory on foot and by sea.

Spanish officials estimated that 72,000 migrants crossed the border during the height of the crisis, while Moroccan estimates placed the figure closer to 40,000. Although the vast majority of adult migrants have since returned or been repatriated to Morocco, local authorities in Ceuta report that at least 1,100 unaccompanied minors remain in government reception facilities.

The diplomatic agreement marks a pivotal step toward relieving pressure on regional welfare services in Ceuta while establishing formal bilateral protocols between Rabat and Madrid to ensure child protection standards are met during repatriation procedures.