Spain plans to relocate about 500 particularly vulnerable unaccompanied minors from Ceuta to mainland Spain following a recent influx of migrants into the North African territory.
Migration Minister Elma Saiz disclosed this on Wednesday in an interview with public broadcaster RNE.
Saiz said the central government was working with Ceuta authorities and Spain’s regional governments to organise the relocation.
She said the children would be placed under the care of child protection organisations on the mainland.
Spanish media reported that all regions would be expected to participate in the reception of the minors under a solidarity-based arrangement.
Some of the children could also be placed with foster families, according to the reports.
Saiz said the figure of about 500 minors remained provisional and could change.
The planned relocation follows the arrival of migrants in Ceuta at the end of July.
Up to 80,000 people reportedly entered the Spanish territory bordering Morocco during the incident.
Official figures said 83 bodies were recovered from the sea, while non-governmental organisations estimated the death toll at more than 100.
Most of those who arrived in July subsequently returned to Morocco.
Spain’s national police identified 2,168 unaccompanied minors in Ceuta and transferred them to the territory’s authorities, state broadcaster RTVE reported.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said about 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta.
Authorities continue to face challenges providing accommodation and other support for migrants from Morocco and sub-Saharan African countries.
Particular concern remains over unaccompanied minors in the territory, including girls.