New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Thousands of migrants who risked their lives to enter Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco turned back almost as quickly as they arrived. Spanish authorities said that of the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people who crossed into Ceuta over just a few days had returned to Morocco within 48 hours.

So why did so many migrants voluntarily return after making the dangerous journey?

One of the biggest reasons was that migrants could not continue their journey beyond Ceuta.

Spanish authorities stressed that irregular entry into Ceuta does not grant the right to remain in Spain, travel to the mainland or move freely across the European Union. Unlike mainland Spain, Ceuta is subject to special Schengen border co...