Surge in Mauritanian Migrants Overwhelms Madrid Airport

Madrid Airport Struggles with Influx of Migrants

Madrid's airport is grappling with an overflow of illegal migrants in its designated holding areas. This situation has been brought about by a recent surge in arrivals, particularly from Mauritania, according to a warning issued by the Spanish Police Federation (CEP).

Challenge of Mauritanian Nationals

The CEP has pinpointed a significant influx of Mauritanian nationals leaving Morocco as a major challenge for border staff. Many of these undocumented migrants are reportedly arriving in Spain, discarding their passports, and seeking asylum.

Significant Increase in Arrivals

Spanish police have expressed concern over the situation, noting that the end of June saw a worrying uptick in Mauritanian arrivals. The increase was a staggering 350 percent compared to the previous month. Most of these new arrivals are men under 30, with some claiming to be minors in an attempt to expedite their asylum application process.

Call for Intervention

The police union is calling on the Spanish interior ministry to take immediate action. The current situation sees between 140 and 170 illegal immigrants arriving daily at Barajas Airport and waiting in reception rooms. The union is also urging the Spanish government to ensure that incoming flights comply with security check rules, as many arriving Africans do not possess the required transit visas.

Role of Migrant Mafia

Police officers stationed at the airport suspect that the influx of Mauritanian flights may be the work of a migrant mafia, similar to the open water entries with the Canary Islands as the primary destination.

Urgent Action Needed

The police federation has issued a statement calling for urgent action from the Home Office, the Foreign Office, and the European Union to curb the influx of illegal migrants. The federation stressed the importance of preventing the airport's asylum seeker system from collapsing.

Bottom Line

This surge in Mauritanian migrants presents a complex issue that requires immediate attention and action. The situation not only strains Madrid's airport resources but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration and asylum policies. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the Spanish government and the European Union should take more stringent measures to control the influx of migrants? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.