The arrival of migrants to the Canary Islands has been a prominent issue with both the media and the public, particularly as more people are using the ‘Canary Route’ to reach Europe. However, the conversation surrounding immigration in the Canary Islands has been clouded by misinformation and myths that distort reality, fuel prejudice, and stigmatise migrants.
This week marks 30 years since the first boat arrived on Canarian shores from west Africa, so this article addresses the five most repeated falsehoods about migrants arriving in the archipelago.
One of the most persistent myths is the belief that migrants receive more financial assistance than local residents. This claim is entirely false and stems from a misunderstanding of the humanitarian aid provided to vulnerable individuals.
Migrants arriving in the Canary Islands receive basic humanitarian assistance, including temporary shelter, food, and primary healthcare, typically managed by organisations such as the Red Cross, UNHCR, and other NGOs. These services are intended to meet the immediate needs of migrants during their stay in reception centres while their asylum requests or legal status are processed.
In contrast, social assistance for Spanish citizens and legal residents, such as the Minimum Vital Income or unemployment benefits, is broader and more permanent, designed to support the long-term needs of those in poverty or social exclusion. Moreover, the humanitarian funds for migrants mainly come from international organisations and the European Union, and do NOT replace the social benefits provided to Spanish citizens and legal residents.
This myth has been particularly harmful, as it unjustly links migrants with criminality without any factual basis. The perception that migrants are criminals is not only false but also contributes to the unjust criminalisation of a vulnerable group, most of whom are fleeing violence, poverty, or persecution.
There is no significant correlation between increased immigration and rising crime rates. According to data from Spain's Ministry of the Interior, crime rates in the Canary Islands have not shown any significant increase that could be attributed to the arrival of migrants.
Most migrants come seeking international protection or better life opportunities and do not have criminal backgrounds. In fact, migrants, being in vulnerable situations, are more likely to be victims of crimes rather than perpetrators.
The term "invasion" is often used to describe the arrival of migrants in the Canary Islands, suggesting that the number of arrivals is so large that it threatens to outnumber the local population. This myth is completely false and does not reflect the demographic reality of the islands.
In 2023, the Canary Islands had a population of approximately 2.2 million people. According to the Spanish government and UNHCR, about 15,000 migrants arrived in the islands in 2022. While this number might seem large, it constitutes only a small fraction of the total population—about 0.7%. Furthermore, many of these migrants do not stay in the islands but continue their journey to mainland Spain or other European countries, and others return home.
Another common myth is the belief that migrants bring diseases that pose a threat to public health. This claim is not only false but also contributes to the stigmatisation of migrants as a health risk.
Health authorities at both regional and national levels have made it clear that there is no evidence that migrants pose a significant risk to public health in the Canary Islands. All migrants arriving in the islands undergo medical screenings to detect potential infectious diseases, and if any are found, appropriate measures such as isolation and treatment are implemented to prevent any risk of contagion.
A persistent myth is the idea that migrants represent a high and unsustainable cost to public finances, implying that the resources allocated to migrant care could be better used elsewhere.
While it is true that providing care for migrants requires investment in shelter, food, healthcare, and legal services, the notion that this constitutes an unsustainable burden is misleading. Much of the funding for managing migration in the Canary Islands comes from the European Union and international agencies, which provide financial support to address the situation. These funds are specifically allocated for this purpose and do not directly impact budgets for other essential public services.
Moreover, migrants contribute to the local economy, both directly and indirectly. The employment of staff in reception centres, the hiring of health and education services, and the consumption of basic goods are examples of how migration can generate economic activity.
Misinformation about migrants not only distorts reality but also fuels racism, xenophobia, and fear in society. As a society, it is crucial to recognise and debunk these false claims based on verified data and facts.
The arrival of migrants in the Canary Islands presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities to build a more inclusive and supportive society. By dismantling these myths, we can move towards a more informed, just, and cohesive community, especially considering that decades ago, it was the Canarians who had to migrate to other countries to support their families. Remembering the past makes it easier to understand the present.
