Spain has rejected asylum applications for 31 minor migrants filed on behalf of the captain of a rescue ship belonging to a relief organization that rescued them from the water.
The minors, mostly from Eritrea, are among 151 migrants aboard a Spanish Open Arms ship and has been awaiting permission to dock at European ports since rescuing migrants 13 days ago, ABC reported on Tuesday.
The Spanish Minister of Public Works of the Interim Government said Captain Mark Reg had no legal authority to seek asylum on behalf of minor migrants.
The captain Reg, has sent a letter to the Spanish Embassy in nearby Malta asking Madrid to grant asylum to minor immigrants.
Read also: Proactiva Open Arms retrieves 39 migrants from Mediterranean