A total of 26,758 irregular migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands in boats so far this year, marking a huge 85.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 14,454 arrivals were recorded, according to the latest data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior.
Notably, 1,234 migrants arrived during the first half of September, a decrease from the 3,220 who landed in the last two weeks of August, indicating a potential slowdown in arrivals after a record-breaking summer.
Across Spain, from January 1st to September 15th, 2024, a total of 37,970 migrants arrived irregularly, representing a 49.1% increase (12,499 more people) compared to the same period in 2023, when 25,471 arrivals were recorded. In the most recent two weeks alone, 2,514 migrants arrived, according to the report.
The majority of these irregular arrivals have occurred via maritime routes, with 35,882 people arriving aboard 1,122 vessels. Of these, 26,758 landed in the Canary Islands, a sharp increase from the 14,454 who arrived during the same period last year, resulting in an 85.1% rise (12,304 more people).
In contrast, arrivals to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands have seen a slight decline, with 9,084 migrants arriving so far this year, 927 fewer (a 9.3% decrease) compared to 2023.
This sharp increase in maritime migration to the Canary Islands has placed pressure on local authorities and their resources as they face the challenges of managing these irregular arrivals without the necessary support from the central government.
