In 2024, Spain has faced an unprecedented surge in migrants arriving by sea. According to official data, more than 60,000 irregular migrants have reached Spanish shores, marking a record high in the country’s history.
For many years, the Canary Islands have been the primary destination for migrants crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Africa. However, in recent months, there has been a significant increase in arrivals in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly on the popular tourist island of Mallorca. Experts attribute this shift to stricter controls on traditional migration routes and a rise in attempts to reach Spain via the Balearic archipelago.
The majority of migrants come from West and North African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, and Algeria. Most of them are fleeing political instability, economic hardship, and the consequences of climate change. European authorities have expressed concern over the situation, as the increasing number of arrivals is putting additional pressure on the EU’s asylum system and resources.
