Ceuta and Melilla back in Spain’s debate: what it means for Moroccans abroad

This update focuses on Carles Puigdemont Ceuta Melilla. Comments by Carles Puigdemont describing Ceuta and Melilla as “colonies” and calling for a referendum have reignited a highly sensitive issue between Morocco and Spain, without changing for now how Moroccans abroad travel between the two countries.

Carles Puigdemont Ceuta Melilla: a provocative interview abroad

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has pushed the status of Ceuta and Melilla back into Spain’s political spotlight. In an interview with the Sunday Times from Waterloo, Belgium, he referred to the two cities as “colonies” located on Moroccan soil.

He questioned “what sense” it makes for a European Union country to hold “two colonies or two cities inside Morocco”. He also argued that Spain’s presence there is, from a Moroccan point of view, “a wound”.

Puigdemont supports the idea of a self-determination referendum in Ceuta and Melilla. In his view, such a vote would give democratic legitimacy to the choice of local residents, whom he acknowledges as feeling strongly Spanish. He is therefore not explicitly calling for the two cities to be handed over to Morocco, but he is challenging Madrid’s narrative of unquestioned Spanish sovereignty.

A familiar stance, but with sharper language

Carles Puigdemont’s position on Ceuta and Melilla is not entirely new. As early as 2021, he said Morocco had the right to raise the issue of sovereignty over the two enclaves.

What has changed is his wording. By using the term “colonies” and openly promoting a referendum, the Junts leader goes a step further. He partly echoes Morocco’s argument, which sees Ceuta and Melilla as occupied territories.

In Spain, this kind of statement remains politically explosive, especially coming from a prominent Catalan pro-independence figure. It also comes after a period of tension in relations between Rabat and Madrid over borders, migration and the Sahara issue.

Travel, returns and bookings: what this means for Moroccans abroad

For Moroccans living abroad, the impact of these remarks is, for now, mainly political and symbolic. No new rules have been announced on border crossings, visas, or sea and air links between Morocco and Spain.

In particular:

• Ferry routes between Moroccan and Spanish ports are operating according to current schedules.
• Flights operated by airlines between the two countries continue under normal conditions, subject only to usual operational changes.
• No new official measures target Moroccans abroad who transit through Spain when travelling to Morocco.

The Carles Puigdemont Ceuta Melilla debate has not, at this stage, triggered any joint statement or institutional decision that would affect travel conditions.

Practical tips before travelling through Spain

Even if the controversy is mainly political, Moroccans abroad are well advised to keep a few habits in mind when planning trips to Morocco via Spain.

Key recommendations include:

• Check information directly on airline and ferry companies’ official websites before departure.
• Follow updates from Moroccan and Spanish authorities on entry and transit rules.
• Avoid changing confirmed bookings based solely on political statements that are not backed by official measures.
• Consult dedicated guides for Moroccans abroad when in doubt about procedures or travel options.

In the absence of concrete decisions by governments, there is no immediate reason to alter plans for holidays, family visits or investment trips in Morocco.

Still, the debate reopened by Carles Puigdemont Ceuta Melilla underlines how sensitive these two cities remain in Moroccan–Spanish relations. Moroccans who frequently transit through Spain should therefore keep an eye on political and diplomatic developments around Ceuta and Melilla.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.