Almost 12,000 irregular migrants have arrived in the Canaries already this year

The latest report from the Ministry of Interior published yesterday (Friday), shows that nearly 12,000 irregular migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands already this year aboard 181 boats, an increase of 139 more boats compared to the same period last year when there were just 42.

In total, there have officially been 11,932 people who have crossed the Atlantic to get to the islands in January and February, a staggering 10,607 more than last year, equivalent to an increase of 540%. In fact, this figure is almost double the number of people that came to the islands in the first six months of 2023 (7,213).

From January 1st to February 29th, there was a significant rise of 357.4% in the maritime arrival of migrants in the whole of Spain compared to the same period in 2023. A total of 13,485 migrants have entered in 286 vessels, indicating an increase of 122 boats compared to last year.

In 2023, a total of 1,068 migrants arrived in the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands via maritime routes, marking a 45.3% increase compared to this year. Additionally, 104 vessels transported these migrants, which is 14 less than those recorded by February 15th last year (118).

The growing trend of irregular migration poses significant challenges for authorities in managing and addressing the situation.