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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be deeply concerned about the recent influx of 30k+ undocumented arrivals in Spain?

736 replies

ChirpyUmberBiscuit · 31/07/2026 13:17

AIBU to feel really unsettled by the recent news coming out of Spain and Ceuta? Reports are showing that tens of thousands of undocumented migrants have crossed over in such a short window, completely overwhelming local infrastructure, reception centers, and security forces.

I know migration is always a sensitive and compassionate topic, but looking at these numbers practically, I don't see how any European border region can absorb 30,000 to 50,000 arrivals almost overnight without severe strain on public resources, local housing, and emergency services.

What worries me even more is the precedent it sets for the rest of Europe and the UK down the line. Surely there has to be a firm balance between humanitarian support and actual, enforceable border control?

Am I being completely unreasonable to view this as a serious policy and security crisis, or are others feeling equally concerned about where this leads?

Would love to hear honest thoughts on how this should actually be handled!

OP posts:
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IcedCoffee26 · 03/08/2026 16:34

MaturingCheeseball · 03/08/2026 16:08

@IcedCoffee26 No, not expats if you think that’s a gotcha.

But even if we were, no one is roaming round in male gangs committing petty and not so petty crimes.

Migrants. And why would you assume that noone would think that British people would be committing crimes? There have been several shootings in Spain in recent years linked to British gangs.

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 16:46

IcedCoffee26 · 03/08/2026 16:34

Migrants. And why would you assume that noone would think that British people would be committing crimes? There have been several shootings in Spain in recent years linked to British gangs.

Spain should deport him

bafta16 · 03/08/2026 16:47

“There were so many people in the sea. Everyone was trying to grab on to you to save themselves, and you were trying to escape and move forward so they wouldn’t drag you down or drown you. The Moroccan police were pushing us toward the water and telling us ‘swim, swim’.”

IcedCoffee26 · 03/08/2026 16:49

MaturingCheeseball · 03/08/2026 16:08

@IcedCoffee26 No, not expats if you think that’s a gotcha.

But even if we were, no one is roaming round in male gangs committing petty and not so petty crimes.

Not really my question was more because it seems that you are very concerned about people from other countries moving to the UK whereas your own family have moved to Italy....

My point is people migrate for many reasons. If they can do so and meet the requirements from each country then that is fine. It is not more fine for rich than poor or more fine for white then brown. Either you have the right, earn the right, or you don't.

Wealthy migrants to poorer countries can also bring societal issue(such as driving up rents and property prices meaning that local people can no longer afford to live in their home towns.).

Some people move to other countries and never pay tax there, using elaborate regimens to avoid becoming fiscally resident whilst still taking advantage of the public services.

There should not be classism and racism when rights are involved. They should be equal. If your family meet Italy's criteria to move there that is absolutely fine. If a Moroccan 20 year old meets the criteria to move to Spain - also fine.

IcedCoffee26 · 03/08/2026 16:49

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 16:46

Spain should deport him

*them.

See my post on expulsion and art. 89 CP.

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 16:54

IcedCoffee26 · 03/08/2026 16:49

*them.

See my post on expulsion and art. 89 CP.

Yep. I typed too quick. All the more reason for Spain to be wary of who they let in

Weald56 · 03/08/2026 17:54

Flyingintotheunknown · 01/08/2026 18:36

They aren’t supposed to enter the UK without paperwork either but they do! The vast majority have returned to Morocco. So not all of them then? Where are the rest of them?

In Africa....which is where Ceuta is.

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 18:14

Weald56 · 03/08/2026 17:54

In Africa....which is where Ceuta is.

Why are you talking to me like I’m stupid? I know where Ceuta is thanks! I was responding to you because you said they would need paper work to enter Spain. People also need paper work to enter the UK too… but a lot destroy theirs before making the journey via dinghy to the UK and are still allowed in! Not sure which part of that you didn’t understand?

Dappy777 · 03/08/2026 19:52

This migration crisis is being fuelled by birth rates. Africa has the highest birth rate in the world, and the African population is going to double.

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 19:58

Dappy777 · 03/08/2026 19:52

This migration crisis is being fuelled by birth rates. Africa has the highest birth rate in the world, and the African population is going to double.

They can stay in Africa

bafta16 · 03/08/2026 20:08

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 19:58

They can stay in Africa

Ah, a nuanced and thoughtful response.

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 20:29

Just checking in @FredBares no response or explanation as to why you (lazily) called me racist. That's cleared itself up then.

likelysuspect · 03/08/2026 20:36

38thparallel · 03/08/2026 12:06

So claiming asylum in Spain is not at all straightforward.

So who tricked them into thinking it was straightforward and provided tens of thousands of identical rubber rings?

I highly doubt any of them did this as an asylum claim or genuine attempt to enter Spain. This seems politically motivated as some sort of protest or show or something like that.

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 20:39

likelysuspect · 03/08/2026 20:36

I highly doubt any of them did this as an asylum claim or genuine attempt to enter Spain. This seems politically motivated as some sort of protest or show or something like that.

Agree it is politically motivated. What's concerning is how far extending across Europe this is.

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 20:46

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 20:29

Just checking in @FredBares no response or explanation as to why you (lazily) called me racist. That's cleared itself up then.

I had the same yesterday morning from another poster who told me im very racist. I responded to tell them to fuck off with their racist card and asked them to point out where I’d mentioned anything about skin colour. Lo and behold, no response. Crickets!

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 20:48

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 20:46

I had the same yesterday morning from another poster who told me im very racist. I responded to tell them to fuck off with their racist card and asked them to point out where I’d mentioned anything about skin colour. Lo and behold, no response. Crickets!

Edited

Empty vessels x

bafta16 · 03/08/2026 20:51

Why do people say "card" It isn't a game?

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 20:52

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 20:48

Empty vessels x

Wouldn’t mind but I’m the least racist person ever. Just don’t want our country being taken over by undocumented men who hang around parks and harass women and school children.

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 20:53

bafta16 · 03/08/2026 20:51

Why do people say "card" It isn't a game?

OMG it’s a figure of speech. “Pulling the racist card” is a metaphor.

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 21:03

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 20:52

Wouldn’t mind but I’m the least racist person ever. Just don’t want our country being taken over by undocumented men who hang around parks and harass women and school children.

I know but these lefties just want to shut you up. Funny as they are the most vocal going when they want to condemn anyone they say divides Britain when they don't care about the integrity and heritage of UK. The biggest dividers are the hard left.

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 21:08

LuckyHazelFox · 03/08/2026 21:03

I know but these lefties just want to shut you up. Funny as they are the most vocal going when they want to condemn anyone they say divides Britain when they don't care about the integrity and heritage of UK. The biggest dividers are the hard left.

Agreed. I’ve seen more division these last 2 years since this Labour government got in than I’ve seen in the whole of my 40 odd years on this planet. They seem to be against anything Britain and the British people stand for.

Downthedrainwithme · 03/08/2026 21:09

Regardless of the details what concerns me is that the way this particular story was reported should make people on both sides of the debate pause.

Most outlets have been blatantly misleading and took advantage of people's lack of geographical knowledge even I had to check when I saw claims of "swam to Spain" wondering how on earth tens of thousands managed an 8 mile swim across the Mediterranean.

ShautyMels · 03/08/2026 21:10

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 21:08

Agreed. I’ve seen more division these last 2 years since this Labour government got in than I’ve seen in the whole of my 40 odd years on this planet. They seem to be against anything Britain and the British people stand for.

Especially going after those who've made a success in life as well

Pedallleur · 03/08/2026 21:11

angelos02 · 03/08/2026 14:51

I have full faith that this government will put a stop to it. Not only that, I'm certain they will deport the 1 million plus that are here illegally and working in the black market, overstaying visas etc.

Well the previous Govt of 14 years with it's numerous PMs huffing and puffing about migrants actually did nothing so anything this Govt did would automatically be better

Pedallleur · 03/08/2026 21:12

Flyingintotheunknown · 03/08/2026 21:08

Agreed. I’ve seen more division these last 2 years since this Labour government got in than I’ve seen in the whole of my 40 odd years on this planet. They seem to be against anything Britain and the British people stand for.

What do we stand for?

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