Spain to allow 500 children in Ceuta to go to mainland in immigration U-turn

<p>Madrid government changes stance after previously saying anyone who entered territory illegally would be sent back</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/aug/19/europe-ukraine-zelenskyy-mykhailo-fedorov-parliament-vote-corruption-probe-russia-belgium-wildfires-latest-news-updates">Europe live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>The Spanish government has U-turned and said it will allow 500 migrant children in Ceuta to relocate to the mainland.</p><p>The majority of the estimated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/moroccan-police-arrest-more-than-100-people-as-they-attempt-to-enter-ceuta">70,000 people who crossed into Ceuta</a> – a Spanish territory on the coast of north Africa – on 30 July have returned to Morocco. However, under Spanish law, the state has a duty of care to young, unaccompanied migrants until they reach the age of 18.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/19/spain-allows-500-migrant-minors-in-ceuta-to-relocate-to-the-mainland-in-u-turn">Continue reading...</a>