The PP pushes a reform to shield pushbacks at sea in Ceuta and Melilla.

The PP has announced that it is bringing a reform of the Immigration Law to Congress. The objective: to regulate the returns of those who try to enter Ceuta and Melilla by sea. It aims to provide legal coverage to the Civil Guard and the Police when they stop boats or catch people swimming. This is not currently written into the law.

All of this comes after the Supreme Court ruled that rejecting people at the fence is permissible, but it said nothing about the sea. The PP says there is a gap that leaves officers in a legal limbo and that it needs to be filled. So they have set to work on it.

If you are thinking of reaching Ceuta or Melilla by sea, pay attention: this affects you directly. If the reform goes ahead, returns at sea — without being able to request asylum at the time — will become common practice. Until now, many interceptions were carried out without a clear framework, and human rights NGOs consider them illegal. The matter is under debate, but it looks like a tightening of rules. You have been warned.

The PP justifies the measure because migration flows have changed: now people are coming more by sea, swimming or in small boats, rather than jumping the fence. In Ceuta they say the pressure is unsustainable and that officers need tools to avoid ending up being reported. According to the party, the State Attorney's Office supports the proposal. For now, it is just an announcement.

The text is registered in the Cortes and the PP asks the other groups not to politicize border protection. For now, the law does not cover rejections at sea, so any interception can end up in court. If the reform passes, the rules of the game change for those trying to enter Ceuta and Melilla by sea. Now you know.

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