In a statement, the Government expressed regret over the deaths recorded in this context. It explained that it has been kept informed by the Spanish government, “which has given assurances that, in close coordination and cooperation with Moroccan authorities, it will reverse the flow of thousands of people seen in recent weeks, and especially over the last two days.”

In addition to this contact, the Portuguese government says it is also in touch with the government of Morocco and that “Portuguese authorities, specifically the GNR and the Maritime Police, are coordinating with their Spanish counterparts and acting in concert.”

“The Portuguese Government reaffirms that the integrity of the Schengen system depends on rigorous border control and a determined fight against all forms of illegal immigration,” the statement adds.

The latest data released by the autonomous government of Ceuta shows that 60,000 people have entered the Spanish city irregularly in the last 24 hours, and 34 deaths have been confirmed during this crisis.

The city is facing “an unsustainable situation,” said Juan Jesús Vivas, noting that Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, has a population of 83,000 people.