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A court in Silves, Portugal, has ruled that 38 Moroccan migrants—25 men, six women, and seven children—who washed ashore in the Algarve must return to their country of origin.
The migrants arrived in a small wooden boat on Friday, and on Saturday afternoon, a Silves court judge ordered their repatriation.
They have 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily; otherwise, they will face forced expulsion, according to Africanews.
All migrants are currently in custody and temporarily housed in a pavilion in Sagres, provided by the Vila do Bispo council and adapted to accommodate them.
The national gendarmerie force (GNR) is stationed on site, supported by Civil Protection and the fire brigade.
Following the judge’s ruling, Portugal’s Minister for the Presidency praised the swift judicial response, stating that Portuguese authorities “deserve a big congratulations” and assuring that Portugal maintains “secure maritime borders.”
“Portugal has a large coastline, and while vulnerable, the authorities reacted quickly and effectively,” the minister said.
Leitão Amaro from Olhão in the Algarve also emphasized, “The Portuguese coast is safe.”
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