Madrid: Spain has installed floating barriers along its border with Morocco after a surge in migrant arrivals into the North African enclave of Ceuta. Authorities said the move has halted overnight migrant crossings, while the death toll linked to the recent attempts to reach Spanish territory has risen to 67.
Police have deployed a 500-metre (1,640-foot) floating barrier near the Morocco border, one of the main entry points used by migrants attempting to reach Ceuta by sea.
Spanish authorities said around 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta by land and sea after the crisis began on Thursday. Of these, more than 48,000 returned to Morocco within 48 hours.
Meanwhile, Spain dismissed rumours regarding changes to its immigration rules, clarifying that applicants seeking legal residency must prove they have been living in Spain since before January 1 this year and provide evidence of at least five months of residence.
The European Union also convened an emergency meeting to discuss the developing migration crisis.
According to a government statement, Spain’s Civil Guard began installing the floating barrier at the Tarajal breakwater at 7:50 a.m. local time. The pneumatic barrier extends 30 to 70 centimetres above the water and up to one metre below the surface.
Authorities said dedicated channels between the barriers have been left open to allow Civil Guard patrol boats to continue monitoring the area.
