Spain Introduces Border Checks on Italian Arrivals After Ceuta Migration Crisis

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Madrid: Spain will introduce temporary border checks on people arriving from Italy, escalating a dispute between the two European Union allies over migration controls following the mass movement of people from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta.

The checks will begin at midnight on Saturday and remain in place until 7 September. Spain's Interior Ministry said the measure was in response to Italy's decision to impose similar controls on travellers arriving from Spain.

Italy introduced its checks after tens of thousands of people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco on 30 and 31 July in a deadly migration surge. Rome has said the controls are needed to protect national security and prevent further irregular migration.

Spain criticised Italy's decision as discriminatory and warned of retaliatory measures unless the checks were lifted. Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, rejected the demand and said it would review the measures only if concerns over security and further migration movements were eased.

The dispute has created an unusual clash between two European Union and NATO members, with Spain warning against divisions within Europe over migration policy.

Around 70,000 of the 72,000 people who entered Ceuta have since returned to Morocco, according to Spanish authorities. At least 80 people died during the crossings, while Moroccan rights groups have reported a higher death toll. Hundreds of unaccompanied children remain in Ceuta facing shortages of food, water and shelter.