Reception centre for youth migrants closes in Lanzarote to due to falling numbers
A migrant reception centre for unaccompanied minors in Lanzarote, closed at the weekend, after authorities confirmed there are no longer enough young people to justify keeping it open.
The facility, located in the village of Mácher in the municipality of Tías on Lanzarote, closed its doors on Saturday following a sharp drop in the number of migrant children arriving on the island.
Officials from the regional child protection services say the decision has been taken simply because demand has fallen, pointing to a significant decline in arrivals and a wider relocation of young migrants across mainland Spain.
In fact, reports indicate that only a very small number of minors have reached the island so far this year, easing pressure on the reception system.
What Happens to Young Migrant Arrivals?
When the centre closed, it was housing 13 young people, all of whom have been relocated. Many are close to turning 18 and will move into supported accommodation designed for care leavers, while others will be transferred to alternative facilities within the Canary Islands.
There are currently several such resources available locally, including shared housing for young adults transitioning out of the care system.
The closure also reflects a broader reorganisation of migrant services in the Canary Islands. As part of national policy, some minors have been transferred to mainland Spain under agreements between regions, helping to reduce overcrowding and rebalance resources.
Authorities stress that this is a logistical decision rather than a response to operational problems, despite the centre having faced criticism in the past over alleged conditions.
Despite the closure, officials have confirmed that other reception facilities will remain open across the island, and the system can be scaled up again if arrivals increase.
For now, the situation highlights a notable shift: after years of pressure on services due to rising migration, parts of the system in the Canary Islands are beginning to ease, at least temporarily.
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