Ceuta Begins Moving Migrants From Beach Camp Ahead of Royal Visit

Authorities in Ceuta have begun moving migrants from a camp on Trampolin beach as Spain prepares for a planned visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The first phase of the transfer began on Sunday, according to a Ceuta police spokeswoman. More than 350 police officers, along with soldiers and armoured vehicles, were involved in the operation.

People removed from the beach camp were to be taken to a facility for identification before being accommodated in a temporary camp established by the authorities.

The police spokeswoman warned that the operation could be suspended if the official camp ran out of available places. Authorities had not stated how many people had been transferred when the operation was reported.

Camp formed after influx from Morocco

Authorities estimated that around 3,000 would-be migrants had been using the beach camp. It emerged after an influx into Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco on July 30 and 31.

Most of those who entered during the influx returned to Morocco within days, according to the reported background. Thousands were still said to be in Ceuta, with some sleeping in the streets or on the beach.

The influx caused alarm across the European Union and created a political crisis for Madrid. The reported movement into Ceuta was also described as involving scores of deaths, although no exact number was provided.

The Red Cross had been supplying daily meals to people staying at the camp.

Royal visit scheduled for October 13

The Spanish royal palace announced that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia would visit Ceuta on October 13. The trip was coordinated with the Spanish government.

Ceuta is a Spanish territory on the North African coast, bordering Morocco. The transfer operation is taking place before the scheduled royal visit, while authorities continue to assess whether temporary accommodation can hold everyone removed from the beach.