Spain set a new record for irregular migrant arrivals in 2024, with 63,970 people entering the country by land or sea, according to Interior Ministry data released last week. This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking arrivals, surpassing 2023’s total of 55,718, which was nearly double the figure from 2022.
The majority of arrivals in 2024 — 46,843 people — undertook perilous sea journeys from northwest Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands. A report by the NGO Caminando Fronteras in December revealed the grim toll of these journeys, estimating that 30 people died daily while attempting to reach Spain. Nearly 10,000 deaths were recorded on the route to the Canary Islands alone.
The president of the Canary Islands has expressed concern over the region’s inability to manage the influx, particularly regarding unaccompanied minors, citing overwhelmed services that fail to meet human rights standards.
Spain’s Migration Minister, Elma Saiz, told RTVE that the government is working on a redistribution plan to transfer young migrants to the mainland.
Looking ahead, Spain’s new immigration law, set to take effect this year, will legalise approximately 300,000 undocumented immigrants annually over three years. Saiz called 2025 a milestone year, saying it will position Spain as “a beacon of inclusion and harmony with migrants.” She also praised the EU’s 2024 Migration Pact, which will also be implemented in 2025.
The second-largest migration route into Spain in 2024 was via the Mediterranean, with nearly 14,500 arrivals on the mainland and Balearic Islands. Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, also saw a sharp increase, with over 2,500 people crossing its land border — more than double the 2023 figure.
IS THE UK NARRATIVE TOO NEGATIVE
Meanwhile, in comparison the UK is not having it so bad with Home Office data revealing that 36,816 people crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2024, an increase from 2023 but fewer than in 2022.
Tragically, 2024 was the deadliest year for such crossings, with nearly 60 fatalities reported in the year. Compare this with the 30 people who are losing their lives on a daily basis as they attempt to make the perilous journey from N Africa to Spain.
The UK government continues to collaborate with France to curb small boat crossings.
