Spanish police cleared a migrant camp on a beach in Ceuta on October 4, moving about 3,000 people to temporary accommodation ahead of a royal visit.

The operation took place on Trampolin beach in the Spanish enclave in North Africa. Those moved will have their cases processed or will be given the chance to return to Morocco, an interior ministry spokesperson said.

More than 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in late July. Most went back, but at least 10,000 remain in the enclave, which has a population of about 80,000. The prolonged stay has strained local resources and raised tensions.

A day before the clearance, local residents held a demonstration demanding that the migrants leave Ceuta.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia are due to visit Ceuta on October 13 and 14. It will be the king’s first visit to the territory in his 12-year reign.

The visit is diplomatically sensitive. Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Spain’s other North African enclave, Melilla. Spain rejects the claim and treats both cities as integral parts of its territory.