| THERE IS NO FREE AND LEGAL ACCESS TO THE SPANISH ASYLUM OFFICE IN MELILLA |
| Because of its location in Northern Africa, Melilla could serve as a safe and legal entry point into Spain and the European Union for people who flee war or poverty. Refugees could apply for asylum in Spain without risking their lives in the dangerous attempt of crossing the Mediterranean Sea in small boats unsuitable for the journey. | However, in reality it has become extremely difficult for migrants and refugees to enter Melilla from Morocco, since the military forces on the Moroccan side prevent almost everyone from crossing, including asylum seekers. As a result, crossing irregularly has become the only way of reaching the Spanish asylum office in Melilla. |
| Refugees from Syria as well as from other Middle Eastern countries and Northern Africa are forced to buy Moroccan passports on the flourishing black market around the border. They pass themselves off as Moroccans at the Moroccan control, before seeking asylum on the Spanish side with their real passports. Families have to cross separately and children to be left in the shady hands of mafia groups who smuggle them inside cars or suitcases across the border. | For people from sub-Sahara Africa it is impossible to reach the Spanish asylum office or even the border crossing points since the color of their skin exposes them and they cannot pass themselves off as Moroccans. As soon as they are spotted, the Moroccan police or military violently pushes them back. The only choice left for sub-Saharan migrants and refugees is to pay for being smuggled inside cars or boats, swim into Melilla's harbor or climb over the border fences. |
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