MOSCOW, Aug 8 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Hundreds of migrants remain stranded on Playa Del Trampolin beach in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta on Friday, with many unsure about the procedures they must follow to seek asylum, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
In late July, Ceuta, bordering Morocco, faced a massive influx of migrants.
Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas said on Thursday that between three and five thousand migrants remain in the city.
Some of the people on the beach have declared their intention to seek asylum in Spain but are unsure where to go and what steps to take to begin the process.
Some migrants know only a few words of Spanish, including “asilo” – “asylum.”
Many cannot read or write. The situation is further complicated by the lack of documents among some of the arrivals.
“We believe the Spanish government will not abandon us. We do not want to go back; we have no future there,” a 23-year-old Moroccan said.
He speaks Spanish quite well. A large group of friends gathered around him during the conversation. However, he said he was the only one among them who spoke Spanish, helping the others communicate with locals and understand the information they received.
Hundreds of people have been stranded on the beach for several days, unable to find space at the temporary accommodation centre.
Many are sleeping on the sand or on cardboard, while during the day they seek shelter from the sun under trees and on shaded slopes.
Local residents, volunteers, and community organisations are providing them with food, clothing and other essential items.
People fill plastic bottles with water from the beach showers, drink it and use it for other needs.
The 23-year-old migrant said there is a queue of people waiting to wash at the showers in the evenings.
According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, some 72,000 people have entered the city since the end of July, while Ceuta itself has a population of approximately 85,000. Most of them have already been returned.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI