Ceuta: Migrant camp cleared ahead of spanish royal visit

Spanish authorities have begun dismantling a migrant camp on a beach in Ceuta ahead of a planned visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia later this month.

The operation started on Sunday at El Trampolín beach, where thousands of migrants have been living in difficult conditions since a major influx from Morocco in late July.

More than 70,000 people reportedly arrived in Ceuta during that period. While most later left the Spanish enclave, several thousand remained and settled in temporary camps.

Authorities estimate that around 3,000 migrants are currently living at the site. Many sleep in makeshift shelters and depend on daily food distributions provided by the Red Cross.

The evacuation involves more than 350 police officers, along with police vans and military vehicles. Authorities plan to transfer the migrants to a reception center for identification before moving them to a temporary accommodation site.

However, officials have warned that the operation may not be completed if the temporary facility reaches its capacity.

The clearance comes just days before the Spanish royal couple is due to visit Ceuta on October 13. It will be King Felipe VI’s first visit to the North African enclave since he became king in 2014.

The visit carries diplomatic significance because Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two territories on the North African coast. The royal couple is also scheduled to visit Melilla.

The operation is taking place during a sensitive political period in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing domestic pressure following the migration crisis in Ceuta and disagreements over his housing policies.

Sánchez has also called early parliamentary elections for November 29, adding another political dimension to the royal visit.

The evacuation therefore combines humanitarian, security and diplomatic concerns as Ceuta prepares for the arrival of the Spanish monarchs.