Published on: 2026-08-01
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Lisbon, August 1 /Xinhua/ — Portugal will not suspend the application of the Schengen Agreement rules on the free movement of people in relation to Spain due to cases of deaths resulting from migrants’ attempts to cross the border in Ceuta, but it will strengthen border control on the country’s southern sea and land borders. This was announced on Friday by the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro.
“There are no grounds to take any measures to suspend the Schengen Area rules, but there are grounds to strengthen the presence of security forces at border checkpoints located closest to the scene, at the maritime and land borders in southern Portugal,” noted L. Montenegro.
As local media reported on Friday, about 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa in the last 24 hours, with at least 57 people dying while trying to cross the border.
The head of the Portuguese government called the situation “serious” and stated that it requires close monitoring, while urging not to succumb to “hysteria” and to make balanced and realistic decisions.
According to estimates by the Ministry of the Interior of Spain, as of 6:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. GMT on Friday, 48,300 migrants have returned to Morocco, many of whom did so voluntarily after realizing they would not be able to stay in Spain or move further into the European continent. –0–
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.