Melilla Border Crossings Plummet as Morocco Intensifies Migration Controls

The Spanish enclave of Melilla has witnessed its lowest irregular migration numbers in over three decades, recording just 113 arrivals in 2024. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous year's figure of 340 entries, highlighting the effectiveness of enhanced border control measures.

The decline is particularly notable in maritime arrivals, which saw an 88.3% reduction from 180 in 2023 to merely 21 individuals in 2024. Land-based crossings also experienced a significant decrease, dropping 42.5% from 160 to 92 entries.

This sharp reduction stands in stark contrast to the events of June 2022, when a mass crossing attempt by 1,500 to 2,000 migrants, primarily from Sudan, resulted in multiple casualties. The incident, which saw 150 successful crossings, led to at least 24 deaths according to official sources, though NGOs reported 37 fatalities.

Morocco's role has been crucial in achieving these reduced numbers. The country's authorities prevented nearly 49,000 irregular migration attempts in 2024 and dismantled 210 human trafficking networks. In August alone, they stopped 14,648 migrants from entering Ceuta and Melilla, with most interventions occurring near Ceuta in M'diq.

The border infrastructure between Melilla and Morocco's Nador province spans 11.2 kilometers, featuring three layers of fencing, concrete walls, ditches, and barbed wire. However, this fortification has drawn criticism from Amnesty International for potentially impeding access to legitimate asylum procedures.

Spanish officials have consistently praised Morocco's cooperation. Rafael Pérez, Spain's Secretary of State for Security, noted the "downward trend" in irregular arrivals, while Defense Minister Margarita Robles described Morocco's assistance as "total and absolute."

The impact extends beyond Melilla, with Morocco's coastal control contributing to a 30% decrease in irregular entries to Spain from North African shores during the first half of 2024. However, authorities point to social media as an ongoing challenge, identifying it as a significant factor in attracting young people to attempt irregular migration.

These developments represent a significant shift in regional migration patterns and highlight the growing importance of international cooperation in managing cross-border movement. The dramatic reduction in crossings also raises questions about the future of migration routes and the effectiveness of current border control strategies.