Recent data reveals that the arrival of irregular migrants to the Canary Islands has decreased significantly, with a drop of 60% compared to the previous year. In 2025, only 259 small boats reached the archipelago, a stark contrast to the 643 boats that arrived in 2024. This decline marks a notable shift from previous years, particularly from the heightened influx seen in 2024 and earlier.
The Canary Islands have been a popular destination for tourists, especially among British holidaymakers, but they have also attracted a considerable number of asylum seekers in recent years. The recent figures are markedly below the peaks experienced during the so-called “cayuco crisis” of 2006, when 31,678 migrants arrived. Additionally, the total number of migrants arriving in 2023 was 39,910, illustrating how this year’s figures stand out.
Balearic Islands Face Rising Asylum Seeker Arrivals
Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands are grappling with their own challenges regarding migrant arrivals. In 2024, a total of 5,596 migrants landed from 333 boats, representing a remarkable increase of 155% from 2023, which recorded 2,194 migrants arriving via 137 boats. The president of the Balearic Islands government, Marga Prohens, has called for urgent reforms in Spain’s immigration policy to address the ongoing situation.
In a recent statement, Prohens criticized the Spanish government for what she described as a “total lack of control” over the influx of migrant boats. She expressed concerns over insufficient personnel from the State Security Forces and Corps (FFCCSE), stating, “The lack of FFCCSE troops is linked to difficulties in controlling the worrying crime data in the Balearic Islands.” Prohens also highlighted the public’s concern when encountering migrants displaying “defiant and obscene gestures.”
Engagement with Algeria Urged to Address Migrant Issues
As the Canary Islands emerge as a primary entry point for migrants from Algeria, calls for the Spanish government to engage with Algeria have intensified. Tensions between Spain and Algeria escalated in 2022 when Algeria unilaterally suspended diplomatic relations with Madrid. This situation underscores the need for a coordinated response to the challenges posed by irregular migration across the Mediterranean.
The significant decline in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands contrasts sharply with the rising numbers in the Balearic Islands, highlighting the complexities of migration patterns within Spain. As local governments call for immediate policy changes and increased resources, the future landscape of migration in these regions remains uncertain.
