Spain extends border controls on arrivals from Italy for two weeks

Spain has extended border controls on passengers arriving from Italy for another two weeks, in a reciprocal move after Italy prolonged similar restrictions on travellers from Spain amid the fallout from the Ceuta migrant crisis.

The Spanish Interior Ministry said Madrid would maintain checks on passengers entering Spain by air or sea from Italy for an additional 15 days, Caliber.Az reports, citing Italian media.

The decision followed formal notification from Rome that Italy would extend its suspension of Schengen free-movement arrangements with Spain for another 15 days.

Spain initially introduced the controls on August 8 for one month. The measures have now been extended for a further 15 days in response to Italy's decision, Spanish authorities said.

The reciprocal measures come after a major influx of migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, which prompted Italy to reinstate checks on travelers arriving from Spain.

The moves temporarily disrupt the Schengen area's passport-free travel arrangements between the two countries.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov