A total of 16,156 migrants have arrived illegally in Spain so far this year, until March 31. This is 11,869 more (276.9%) than in the same period of 2023 (4,287). This is according to the data published by the Ministry of the Interior on Monday.
Of the 16,156 migrants, 15,351 entered Spain by sea. This is 277.5% more than in the same period of 2023 (4,067). They arrived in 353 ships, which is also an increase compared to the previous year (119).
Substantial proportion of migrants arrived via Canary Islands
A considerable proportion of the migrants who arrived between January and 31 March came via the Canary Islands. There were 13,115 of them. That is a whopping 502.2% more (10,937) than in the same period of the previous year, when 2,178 arrived. These arrived on board 201 ships, 150 more than in the same period of 2023 (51).
Fewer arrivals via Balearic Islands and the Spanish coast
In addition, 2,235 migrants arrived by sea on the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, which is 21.4% more than in 2023, when 1,841 people reached Spain illegally. They arrived on 151 ships. This is 25 fewer than until 31 March last year (176).
Few migrants arrived via Ceuta and Melilla
From January 1 to March 31, there have been no illegal arrivals of migrants by sea in the autonomous city of Ceuta. This contrasts with last year, when 16 migrants reached Ceuta. In Melilla, one person has arrived, thirty-one fewer than last year. In both cities, land arrivals have increased, with a total of 805 migrants. A difference of 585 compared to the same period in 2023. During that period, 798 migrants came to Ceuta and seven came to Melilla.
