Lilshira
Spain deepens migration cooperation with Morocco, Mauritania
Spain is expanding migration cooperation with Morocco and Mauritania to curb rising irregular arrivals. The new measures were announced on November 3, 2026, and target migrants attempting the Atlantic route as well as travelers to Spain’s southern enclaves.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Spain deepens bilateral migration cooperation with Morocco and Mauritania
- Timing
- Announced on November 3, 2026
- Who is affected
- Migrants using the Atlantic route and travelers to the Canary Islands and Ceuta
The details
- Announced by
- Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez
- Takes effect
- November 3, 2026
- New rule
- Spain will deepen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and Mauritania, deploy Guardia Civil officers in Nouadhibou, and extend collaboration beyond security to economic and social measures.
Political pressure and migration surge
Irregular migrant arrivals have risen sharply, with more than 6,000 people reaching the Canary Islands in October and over 13,000 arriving since the start of the year. The surge has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez from his coalition, opposition parties and other EU members to tighten controls on migration from North Africa.
- 6,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in October 2026
- 13,000 total arrivals in the Canary Islands year‑to‑date
- Mass crossings into Ceuta occurred in late July
Cooperation with Morocco
Morocco reported thwarting more than 58,000 irregular migration attempts between January and August 2026 and dismantling 148 smuggling networks. Despite Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s comment in October that the existing cooperation model had become outdated, Spain continues to work closely with Moroccan security services to manage the southern border.
- 58,153 migration attempts blocked by Moroccan authorities
- 148 smuggling networks dismantled
Partnership with Mauritania
During a visit to Nouakchott on November 3, 2026, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska praised Mauritania’s anti‑irregular migration efforts and called for broader bilateral cooperation. Spanish Guardia Civil officers are already operating in Nouadhibou, supporting maritime surveillance, rescue missions and training Mauritanian forces. The partnership builds on a €210 million EU‑funded agreement signed in 2024.
- Guardia Civil deployed in Nouadhibou
- EU‑funded €210 million agreement from 2024
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers to the Canary Islands should monitor possible heightened border checks.
- Visitors transiting through Ceuta may experience longer processing times.
Cost and documents
- No new travel fees have been announced.
- Required travel documents remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Stay updated on official travel advisories from Spanish authorities.
- Check airline and ferry operators for any schedule adjustments.
Who this affects
-
Irregular migrants attempting Atlantic route
Spain is increasing cooperation with Morocco and Mauritania to prevent departures across the Atlantic.
-
Travelers to the Canary Islands
Rising migration pressure may affect security measures at airports and ports.
-
Transit passengers through Ceuta
Mass crossings have strained border controls in the Spanish enclave.
-
Spanish migration authorities
New cooperation expands operational scope with North African partners.
-
Moroccan and Mauritanian security forces
Spain is deepening joint efforts, including Guardia Civil deployment in Mauritania.
Frequently asked questions
What is Spain doing to curb irregular migration from Morocco and Mauritania?
Spain is deepening bilateral cooperation, deploying Guardia Civil officers in Nouadhibou and expanding joint efforts beyond security to include economic and social measures.
When did Spain announce the new migration cooperation?
The announcement was made on November 3, 2026, during Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska’s visit to Mauritania’s capital.
Will the cooperation affect travel to the Canary Islands?
Travel to the Canary Islands is not subject to new fees, but visitors should expect possible tighter border checks as authorities respond to increased migration pressure.
Are there new border checks in Ceuta because of the cooperation?
No specific new checks were announced, but heightened migration activity may lead to longer processing times for transit passengers through Ceuta.
What role does the Guardia Civil have in Mauritania?
Guardia Civil officers are stationed in Nouadhibou to assist with maritime surveillance, rescue operations and training of Mauritanian security forces.
How many migrants arrived in the Canary Islands in October 2026?
Six thousand migrants reached the Canary Islands in October 2026, making it the busiest October since 2023.
