Madrid: The Spanish government announced on Monday that it will extend border controls on arrivals from Italy following Rome's decision to prolong its suspension of Schengen rules. This measure comes in the wake of last month's migration crisis in Ceuta.

According to Anadolu Agency, sources at the Interior Ministry confirmed that the Spanish government will continue border checks for an additional 15 days on travelers arriving by sea or air from Italy. This decision is a response to Italy's extension of the Schengen Agreement suspension, which was initially introduced on August 1 after a significant influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta.

The measures will remain effective until September 21. Spain's decision mirrors that of Italy, which has also extended its suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain for another 15 days. This extension continues the initiative that started on August 1, following the irregular crossing of dozens of people from Morocco into Ceuta.

Spanish authorities implemented random checks on travelers from Italy after Rome's initial decision to suspend the agreement. The migration crisis saw approximately 72,000 individuals crossing into Ceuta from Morocco over a two-day period in late July, according to official estimates from the Spanish government.

The influx of migrants temporarily increased the population of the enclave to near its total resident capacity, leading to criticism from other European governments. A letter signed by 22 EU countries accused Spain's migration policies of serving as a 'pull factor' for migrants.