Algeria kneels to Spain, accepts deported migrants in return for improved ties

The Algerian regime, which is reeling under growing international isolation, has agreed to take back thousands of illegal migrants from Spain to break the ice and mend relationship with Madrid.

According to Spanish press reports, the Algerian authorities have received lately the first group of illegal migrants including minors following months of diplomatic brawl over the Sahara issue after Spain joined countries supporting Morocco’s Autonomy plan for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.

Algeria’s refusal to accept the return of many of its nationals whom France is attempting to deport, has triggered serious diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

The Algerian regime, which has strained relations with its European partners and all neighboring countries, except Tunisia, has bowed to Spanish pressure in order to avoid more crises and keep a lifeline for trade as Algerian rulers started feeling the noose tightening.

Spanish-Algerian relations improved in 2025, after diplomatic freeze that began in 2022. The two countries are currently focusing on security, trade and energy, despite lingering political disagreements over the
Sahara conflict.