SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 26 January 2025, Sunday |

Spain considers including Ceuta, Melilla fully in Schengen area

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya announced on Tuesday that her government is considering including Melilla and Ceuta, Spain’s enclaves in North Africa, fully in Europe’s passport-free Schengen area.

Moroccan nationals from the towns surrounding the enclaves can currently enter without a visa, but need one to travel by sea or air into continental Spain or other Schengen member countries.

This comes amid a row between Morocco and Spain over issues related to Western Sahara, a region Morocco claims sovereignty over.

Laya declined to comment on the row, noting that her ministry is working “under discretion.”

    Source:
  • Reuters