The Spanish government is working to move vulnerable children from the North African enclave to the mainland.

Spain is planning to relocate around 500 vulnerable children from its North African enclave of Ceuta to the mainland, Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz has said.

The figure could change later, Spanish media reported.

More than 70,000 migrants suddenly entered Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco in the final week of July after rumours spread that they could cross into the enclave by sea or over the border fence. More than 100 people reportedly died in the incident, overwhelming the local administration.

Most of the migrants later returned to Morocco, but several thousand, including women and children, remain in Ceuta hoping to reach mainland Spain.

Ceuta authorities estimate that around 10,000 migrants, including about 2,000 minors, are still in the enclave. Spain’s Interior Ministry, however, puts the figure at around 5,000.

The migrants are reportedly living in difficult conditions amid a shortage of accommodation and food. There have also been allegations of sexual harassment involving some women who remain in Ceuta.

Local authorities and humanitarian organisations are working to provide shelter and food.

Saiz said the central government was working with Ceuta authorities to transfer vulnerable children to mainland Spain, where they would be placed under the care of child protection services.

Spanish media reported that the government’s plan would involve relocating the children to different parts of Spain on a solidarity basis. Some could also be placed with foster families.