In January 2025, migrant arrivals to Spain’s Canary Islands decreased by 34% compared to January 2024, with 4,752 migrants reaching the islands, down from 7,270 last year.
This drop follows a record-breaking year, when nearly 49,000 migrants arrived. Despite this decline, the Canaries remain the main entry point for migrants to Spain, accounting for nearly 90% of all arrivals. The overall drop in migrant arrivals to Spain was 32.4%.
This decline comes amid ongoing discussions about redistributing around 4,000 of the 5,800 unaccompanied minors currently in the Canaries. A decree under review could soon allow for the relocation of these minors to mainland Spain, with a final decision expected this week. Spanish officials are aiming to move 4,000 minors from the Canaries and 400 from Ceuta by June. The situation is urgent, with facilities on the islands struggling to accommodate the minors.
