Morocco celebrates with songs and celebrates the first night of open borders: “It was time”

After more than two years, the borders between Spain and Morocco have reopened. A reopening that comes after the change of position of the Government on Western Sahara. Although this is only the first phase, since only citizens with residence in the European Union will be allowed access until 31 May, the reopening has taken place on both sides of the border.

In Morocco long queues have come to form to cross to the Spanish side: “I’m super happy, it was time,” they acknowledged. A lot of euphoria and songs of joy after two years and two months of waiting for the coronavirus pandemic: “I’m going to see my family, I feel a lot of emotion and a lot of joy,” they rejoiced from the Moroccan side.

Meanwhile, in Ceuta hundreds of people have also gathered at the Tarajal border crossing waiting to embrace their family and friends.

The second phase will begin on 31 May with the entry permit of legally recognised cross-border workers and those who have obtained a specific visa to enter Ceuta and Melilla.

In this context, the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has assured that “relations with Morocco are absolutely important, relevant, strategic” and has recognized that “there was a disagreement as it is between sister countries”.

Grande-Marlaska has also made it clear that “it is the health issues that are determining how this reopening is proceeding gradually”. In fact, a passport and certificate of covid vaccination or diagnostic tests with a negative coronavirus result are required to cross.

For its part, the PP has criticized the lack of foresight and planning in the reopening by the government: “It is not a complete celebration, we have not made progress in a substantial revision of the Schengen Treaty”, said the leader of the formation, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, during his visit to Ceuta.