A total of 26,758 migrants in an irregular situation have reached the Canary Islands by sea in 2024 so far, reflecting an 85.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 14,454 arrivals were recorded, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior. In the first two weeks of September alone, 1,234 migrants arrived, indicating a slowdown compared to the 3,220 arrivals in the last two weeks of August, following a record summer.
From 1 January to 15 September 2024, a total of 37,970 migrants have entered Spain illegally, marking a 49.1% increase (12,499 more) over the same period in 2023, which saw 25,471 arrivals. In the last two weeks alone, 2,514 migrants have arrived, as reported.
The majority of these irregular arrivals this year have occurred by sea, with 35,882 migrants arriving aboard 1,122 boats. Of these, 26,758 entered via the Canary Islands, compared to 14,454 during the same period in the previous year, representing an 85.1% increase (12,304 more people). In contrast, arrivals to the mainland and the Balearic Islands saw a decrease, with 9,084 migrants arriving, 927 fewer than in 2023 (a 9.3% reduction).
Additionally, the number of persons arriving by sea to Ceuta and Melilla has also declined. Ceuta saw 19 sea arrivals, 35 fewer than in 2023, and Melilla recorded 21 arrivals, 102 fewer than the previous year. However, land arrivals in Ceuta increased significantly, with 2,026 migrants entering, a rise of 182.6% compared to 717 in 2023. Conversely, land arrivals in Melilla dropped by 44.6%, from 112 in 2023 to 62 this year.
Migrant arrivals: Tensions at the Borders
Over the weekend, the Tarajal border has faced intermittent closures, with relative calm on the Spanish side, where the Guardia Civil and the National Police remain on alert for potential crossing attempts into Ceuta. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities continue to manage the border situation and have made several arrests in their ongoing efforts to control crossings.
