Irregular immigration in Spain continues to be a topic of significant social and political interest, highlighted by the evolution and figures that reflect the arrival of migrants through different routes to the country. Updated data as of October 2, 2023, sheds light on these dynamics, providing a closer look at the complexities surrounding this issue.
The Ministry of the Interior’s balance sheets offer insight into the trends of irregular immigrant arrivals in Spain for the current year. Notably, the data, sourced from the Ministry of the Interior and www.epdata.es, illustrate the fluctuating numbers of arrivals both by sea and land, pointing to the multifaceted nature of irregular immigration.
Maritime Arrivals to the Spanish Coast
A month-by-month breakdown of irregular immigrants reaching Spanish shores by sea highlights the seasonal and yearly changes in these movements. The figures for March 2024, which only account for the first half of the month, continue to contribute to an understanding of migration patterns, particularly emphasizing the significant route through the Mediterranean to Spain.
Evolution of the Irregular Immigration in Spain so far this year
Canary Islands: A Focal Point
The Canary Islands emerge as a critical point in the discussion of maritime migration, with specific data depicting the number of migrants arriving by sea. This route’s significance is underscored by its challenges and the responses it demands from Spanish and European migration policies.
Number of irregular immigrants arriving in Spain by sea according to the Ministry of the Interior
Number of immigrants arriving in the Canary Islands by sea
Unaccompanied Minors: A Growing Concern
The arrival of unaccompanied minor migrants by boat has seen a staggering increase, as reported by the Annual Report of the State Prosecutor’s Office. This aspect of migration underscores the humanitarian considerations at play, highlighting the vulnerabilities of minors embarking on perilous journeys.
Arrival of migrant minors in a boat to Spain
Terrestrial Routes: A Different Dimension of Migration
The evolution of irregular immigration via land routes into Spain offers another dimension to the overall picture. This includes arrivals through Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories in North Africa, where the dynamics of border control and migration policies are prominently featured.
The case of Ceuta and Melilla until May 2021, including a mass entry event, further exemplifies the complex and often dramatic nature of land-based irregular immigration into Spain. The inclusion of frontier rejection statistics offers a glimpse into the measures employed at these borders, with notable increases in rejections recorded in recent years.
Evolution of the number of irregular immigrants arriving in Spain by land
Spain in Context: A Comparative Perspective
Comparing Spain’s irregular immigration figures with those of Greece and Italy provides a broader context to understand Spain’s position within the Mediterranean migration route. Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitates this comparison, showing the fluctuating numbers of irregular immigrants arriving in these countries by month.
Number of arrivals of irregular immigrants to Greece, Italy and Spain per month
The Human Cost: Migrants Lost at Sea
The Mediterranean Sea, a perilous crossing for many migrants aiming for Europe, has claimed thousands of lives. The IOM’s data on migrants missing or deceased in the Mediterranean underscores the tragic outcomes of such dangerous journeys, with Spain’s western Mediterranean route being notably deadly.
Number of migrants who died or disappeared in the Mediterranean
Legal vs. Irregular Entry: A Broader View of Migration
The narrative of irregular migration is often predominant in discussions about migration to Spain. However, data reveals that legal entries far outnumber irregular ones, providing a necessary perspective on the broader landscape of migration to Spain and challenging some prevailing narratives about the nature of migration flows.
