Melilla -Farhana border crossing

Our initial focus when exploring the border between Melilla and Morocco was the hard border defenses. The Melilla border fence forms part of the Morocco–Spain border in the city of Melilla, one of two Spanish cities in north Africa. Constructed by Spain, its stated purpose is to stop illegal immigration and smuggling. Melilla’s border and its equivalent in Ceuta, also bordering Morocco, are the only two land borders between the European Union and an African country

The barrier between Spain and Morocco, consists of a triple Spanish fence. The fence is approximately 11 km long. The triple fence was doubled in height in 2005 to 6m. It has watch towers, access roads, and a range of surveillance equipment. On the Moroccan side of the border, there are a further 2 fences, set back from the border and earthworks and ditches to prevent access. The Spanish side have mobile patrols whereas the Moroccan side have fixed observation points.

This border-fence structure is located on Spanish territory and its supervision, including the operation of its gates, remains under the exclusive control of Spanish authorities at all times. Spain acknowledges that its territory includes the border-fence structure. The EU, Spain, and Morocco cooperate closely on border control, a partnership that grants political and economic favors to Morocco for assisting the EU with the protection of its borders from irregular entry. Through this partnership, the EU delegates the responsibility for third-country nationals in search of protection to countries at its external borders to Morocco.

Prior to arriving in Melilla we had identified 2 border crossings however when we travelled along the length of the border, we identified 2 further border crossings. Border crossings are sensitive areas. At 2 of the four crossings we were challenged by law enforcement officials, on both sides of the border. We visited these points as part of the IBRG MOMEX-24 expedition.

The Melilla – Farhana border crossing is the second border crossing we visited travelling north to south along the border. This was the only crossing point where we were not challenged. There are 4 crossing points between Melilla and Morocco. Only the one at Beni Ansar is open however and is currently being modernised and updated. The other crossings were closed due to COVID and have not reopened. It was easy to identify this crossing as it is modern and is designed for both vehicles and pedestrians. It seems a waste for this facility not to be used. Local citizens of Nador can enter Melilla, although this entitlement has been subject to increased restrictions. It is important to note that although the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla are officially considered part of the Schengen Area there are a few unique rules regarding travel to and from Ceuta and Melilla. These include document checks when departing from the cities when travelling to other parts of the Schengen Area. This means that technically, international travellers arriving in Ceuta or Melilla from a non-Schengen state have not yet arrived in the European free movement zone. As a UK passport holder I was checked prior to arriving and when leaving.

From the Spanish side

It was easy to access this border crossing with a dual carriage way leading from the main road that follows the border from north to south. This was the only crossing point on this trip we were not challenged by law enforcement officials. The crossing itself appeared modern and relatively new.

Original access and exit gates to the facility.

Despite our best efforts there was no way through!

Any river that crossed the border was barricaded within a culvert.

Standing in Spain with the Moroccan flag flying in the background.

The border fence

The border fence is ever present and a quick look north or south shows the boundary and Morocco beyond.

From the Moroccan side

We took the opportunity of visiting the 4 border crossings from the Moroccan side. It was possible to observe this border crossing quite easily. Being circumspect is the name of the game however.