A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where thousands of migrants who crossed from Morocco remain stranded, enduring harsh living conditions, overcrowding, and allegations of abuse.

In late July, an estimated 70,000 people surged across the border into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. While many have since returned to Morocco, Spanish government estimates suggest between 6,000 and 10,000 people are still in the enclave, with local officials placing the figure closer to 13,000.

Anis Fadi, a 21-year-old university graduate and qualified accountant, is among those left behind. He has been sleeping in a makeshift shelter on Trampolin Beach for over a month, queuing for hours daily for food from a Red Cross center. "I don't even have a tent," he told Al Jazeera, describing shelters constructed from scavenged wood and branches, offering little protection from the elements as temperatures begin to fall.

While approximately 5,000 migrants, predominantly women and children, have been provided temporary accommodation by authorities, the remainder are left to sleep outdoors. Fadi recounted instances of police officers shouting orders and using batons towards crowds waiting for food, describing the situation as "a hard life." Despite the hardships, he does not regret leaving Morocco, stating life was more difficult there with no perceived future.

The crossing, which claimed more than 100 lives, was seen by many, including Fadi, as a gateway to Europe and the promise of better employment opportunities. He expressed frustration that skilled individuals like himself are denied chances, asserting, "We are not criminals. We just want to work."

The influx of people significantly strained Ceuta's resources, as its population of 84,000 nearly doubled at the crisis's peak. Right-wing politicians in Europe have characterized the event as an "invasion," while protests have erupted in Spain regarding the government's response to the crisis.

New temporary shelters have been established, including one recently opened to accommodate about 1,700 people, but the scale of the problem persists. Migrants continue to face uncertainty about their future, with limited access to adequate shelter, sanitation, and basic necessities, while awaiting decisions on their status.

Allegations of mistreatment by authorities have surfaced, though Spanish officials have denied these claims. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of migration management and the dire circumstances faced by those seeking refuge and opportunity in Europe.