On Thursday evening, July 30, 2026, hundreds of migrants gathered in the Moroccan town of Fnideq, near the border with Spain's North African exclave Ceuta, following rumors that the border had opened. A young man traveling on foot from Tangier, approximately 70 kilometers west of Fnideq, said he came after hearing the border was open at the Bab Sebta frontier post.

Spanish authorities reported that hundreds of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on the same day, adding to the 1,500 who had crossed in recent days. Many migrants entered mainly by swimming, resulting in nine reported deaths due to drowning.

Vehicles carrying young people were seen packed on roads about 15 kilometers from Fnideq, while others traveled in groups on foot. Belongings left behind by migrants were observed floating in the sea after crossings.

Moroccan authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the influx. However, a Moroccan official source, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed that Morocco and Spain have discussed the situation. The two countries have agreed to strengthen coordination and efforts to manage the migrant flows and committed to reviewing and implementing measures for the repatriation of all individuals who entered Ceuta illegally as soon as possible.

Migration into Spain's North African territories, Ceuta and Melilla, remains a politically sensitive issue between Morocco and Spain, with thousands crossing the border at times.

Sources