Italy extends temporary border controls with Spain for 15 days

Italy has extended temporary border controls with Spain for another 15 days amid continued concerns over the situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, local media reported Wednesday.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi decided to extend checks at air and maritime borders after consulting the Committee for the Analysis of Immigration and Border Security, which met earlier Wednesday, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

The Interior Ministry said the decision was prompted by the situation in Ceuta, particularly the persistence of concerns that had previously led authorities to introduce the controls.

Checks at Italy's air and maritime borders with Spain will therefore remain in force for another 15 days, the ministry said.

Italy has informed the European Commission and the interior ministers of other EU member states about the extension, according to ANSA.

Around 72,000 people irregularly crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30-31, according to official Spanish government estimates.

More than 3,000 migrants, including several hundred minors, are still living on the streets of the Spanish enclave in North Africa, according to the latest estimates.

While temporary accommodation facilities have been established, authorities said up to 200 people voluntarily return to Morocco each day.