Spain Welcomes 630 Migrants after Italy And Malta reject them

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More than 600 men, women and children, mostly from Africa, had hopes for a better life rekindled Sunday when their rescue ships were allowed to dock in Spain.

The Aquarius, operated by Doctors Without Borders, pulled into the port of Valencia. The passengers were greeted by more than 2,300 Red Cross volunteers and other humanitarian workers, including police, doctors and translators.

A huge banner reading "Welcome Home" in several languages filled the arrivals with optimism and a feeling that they are wanted and welcome in Europe, a week after Italy and Malta turned them away.

About 100 of the migrants were on board the Aquarius. The others had been transferred to two Italian military ships to avoid overcrowding.

The Aquarius rescue ship arrives to port carrying hundreds of migrants, in Valencia, Spain, June 17, 2018.
The Aquarius rescue ship arrives to port carrying hundreds of migrants, in Valencia, Spain, June 17, 2018.
"The sad odyssey of the people on the Aquarius is another reminder that all people, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, should have access to basic assistance and protection," Elhadj As Sy, secretary general of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said.

"No human being is illegal," Sy added.

Initial medical examinations show no serious injuries or illnesses among the refugees. Most are adult men and women, including seven pregnancies. The others include children and teens.

Doctors Without Borders said the migrants come from 26 countries, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, but also from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Spain will offer them humanitarian stays of 45 days while their requests for asylum in Spain or France are considered.

The Aquarius picked up the 630 migrants off the Libyan coast last week. But the new right-wing Italian government refused to let the ship dock. Malta also sent it away.