Ceuta is grappling with the aftermath of the mass arrivals that occurred on 30 and 31 July, as highlighted by the city's president, Juan Jesús Vivas. He reported alarming increases in emergency healthcare and security incidents, indicating that the situation remains far from normal.
Surge in emergency services and port incidents
According to Vivas, emergency healthcare visits have surged by 400%, while incidents related to the port have increased by 503%. Additionally, calls to the emergency services (112) regarding assaults, break-ins, disturbances, and fights have risen by 184% over the past month compared to the same period last year.
Population growth and water consumption
Vivas also noted a significant rise in water consumption, which was 20% higher in September compared to the same month in 2025. This increase is believed to be linked to an estimated population growth of between 15,000 and 17,000 people, many of whom may have entered Ceuta during the mass arrivals.
Call for government action
The president has urged the Delegation of the Government for precise information on the individuals remaining in Ceuta and the measures taken to facilitate their return. He expressed concern that no administrative returns have occurred under immigration law since the mass entries, contrasting these with voluntary returns and those resulting from criminal activities.
Economic impact and illegal activities
Vivas has estimated that the economic losses since July amount to between 4% and 5% of Ceuta's GDP. He also reported a staggering 669% increase in illegal construction activities, further complicating the situation. He emphasised that restoring normalcy requires decisive action from the national government, including legal returns, border reinforcement, and greater involvement from national and European institutions.
In conclusion, Vivas insists that the scale of the events cannot be assessed solely by the passage of time or actions taken since late July. The ongoing challenges in emergency services, healthcare, port incidents, and water consumption indicate that Ceuta is still facing extraordinary consequences that necessitate an appropriate response.
