Irregular migrant entries to Spain have surged by 66% this year, largely due to increased arrivals in the Canary Islands despite Morocco’s strengthening of border measures, Spanish news outlet El País said.
According to the news outlet, Morocco has maintained strict control over its northern and southern shores, including the Sahara region, resulting in a nearly 30% decrease in irregular entries from these areas in H1 of 2024.
However, this crackdown has displaced migrants further south, with more asylum seekers from Syria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh now arriving in the Canary Islands after departing from Mauritania and Senegal—an unusual trend for these nationalities.
Mauritania has emerged as a new focal point of concern, with the country experiencing a refugee crisis.
Reports suggest that between 100,000 and 500,000 potential irregular migrants are waiting to attempt the perilous journey to Europe through Spain.
Departures from Mauritania to the Canary Islands have spiked by 6,000% in the first half of the year.
The instability in the Sahel region is also exacerbating the situation, with Mali becoming a significant source of migrants.
Malian nationals now represent the largest group among irregular arrivals in Spain, posing new challenges for Spanish authorities as many may have stronger asylum claims due to ongoing conflicts in their home country.
While Morocco’s efforts have contributed to a decline in arrivals from the north, Spain continues to face challenges elsewhere.
Irregular entries by land into the Spanish enclave of Sebta have grown by 173% this year, totaling 1,605 individuals.
The business of drug-smuggling boats carrying migrants, charging up to 10,000 euros per journey, has become a significant issue.
Arrivals from Algeria have increased by 15% in the first half of the year, with a notable impact on the Balearic Islands.
Spain anticipate that pressure will continue to increase as waves of illegal migrants and refugees from the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa move towards the African coasts.
The situation is particularly critical in the final four months of the year when calmer Atlantic conditions improve navigability, potentially leading to a surge in boat departures.
Cooperation between Spain, Morocco, and other regional partners will remain crucial in managing migration flows and addressing the complex factors driving irregular movement across the Western Mediterranean.
According to Morocco’s 2023 report, the national police (DGSN) foiled 23,863 illegal immigration attempts, stymied 18,820 would-be migrants of various nationalities, dismantled 121 criminal networks, and arrested 594 immigration mediators.