Migrants rescued from the Mediterranean and turned away by Italy and Malta have arrived in Spain’s port of Valencia.
Three vessels, including the Aquarius, which rescued the 630 migrants last weekend, have now docked in the harbour.
Health officials, interpreters and Red Cross workers are on hand to offer support.
Spain’s new socialist government has promised free healthcare and says it will investigate each asylum case.
“It is our duty to help avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and offer a safe port to these people, to comply with our human rights obligations,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier this week.
He has adopted a migrant-friendly stance since taking up his post two weeks ago.
How are the migrants being received?
An Italian coast guard ship, the Dattilo, entered the port of Valencia at 06:20 (04:20 GMT). It was carrying 274 migrants, the Italian news agency Ansa reported.
On Valencia’s quayside, 1,000 Red Cross workers were on hand to greet the migrants as they stepped off the ship. Police officers have also been drafted in to handle their arrival.
The Aquarius itself entered the port shortly after 09:30 carrying another 106 migrants. They were seen celebrating as the ship arrived.
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