Else Beekman
The Canary Islands have seen a sharp drop in irregular migrant arrivals during the first five months of this year, with 10,983 people reaching the archipelago between January and May. This means a significant decline of 35.4% compared to the same period in 2024.
This decline reflects a wider national trend. Across Spain, 15,769 irregular arrivals were recorded by the end of May, down 27.6% year-on-year, according to official data.
This decline reflects a wider national trend. Across Spain, 15,769 irregular arrivals were recorded by the end of May, down 27.6% year-on-year, according to official data. However, it is worth noting that arrivals in May showed a slight increase compared to April, with nearly 3,000 people arriving, primarily via the Canary Islands and the Andalucian coast—indicating that migratory pressure may be picking up again after earlier declines.
Even so, the Canary Islands remain the primary point of arrival for migrants entering Spain irregularly. The region accounts for roughly 70% of all such arrivals, with many making the dangerous Atlantic crossing in overcrowded, often unseaworthy boats.
Tragedy of El Hierro highlights ongoing risks
The continuing risks were tragically underscored on 28 May, when a boat carrying 152 people capsized near the port of La Restinga on the island of El Hierro. Seven people died in the incident. Among them were four women and three children, including two five-year-olds and a sixteen-year-old girl.
Dozens of people are still missing following this tragedy. It is now considered the deadliest migrant shipwreck in Spanish waters in the past 30 years. The rescue operation, led by Salvamento Marítimo, managed to save 145 people from the water. Still, survivors reported that many more had been thrown into the sea as the vessel overturned just metres from the dock. Divers and rescue teams resumed their search around the sunken boat after initial efforts were hindered by darkness and the number of people clinging to the overturned hull.
Strain on resources for unaccompanied minors
Authorities credit the falling numbers to increased maritime patrols and improved cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Furthermore, intensified collaboration between the Spanish government and West African nations such as Senegal and Mauritania helps. However, significant humanitarian challenges remain, particularly concerning unaccompanied minors.
More than 4,500 such minors are currently under the care of the Canary Islands government, spread across over 60 reception centres. Regional leaders have repeatedly warned that the system is overstretched and have called for fairer distribution across Spain’s autonomous communities.
In February 2024, the Spanish and Canary Islands governments agreed on a framework to redistribute the 4,500 minors across the country. However, implementation has been slow, with some regions expressing reluctance to accept new arrivals.
Need for long-term solutions
The decline in arrivals offers temporary relief. Nevertheless, officials stress the essential need for long-term strategies. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has emphasised the need to address the root causes of migration. Those seeking refuge need to have safe and legal pathways. In a statement, UNHCR’s High Commissioner Filippo Grandi remarked:
Instead, look upstream. Look at the root causes in the countries of origin. Look at opportunities in countries of transit to access protection, including legal stay and regularisation programmes, which must be vastly expanded with the support of development partners.”
Sources: La Vanguardia, El Mundo