Spain is experiencing a significant increase in migration pressure, exacerbated by rising departures from Mauritania and instability in the Sahel. From January 1 to August 15, 2024, Spain recorded 31,155 migrant arrivals, a 66% increase from the previous year. The Canary Islands, in particular, saw over 22,000 arrivals, more than double the previous year's figures, with a dramatic 524% rise in January.
Concerns are mounting over the dangerous migration route from Mauritania, with 13,000 migrants departing from there, up 6,000% from 2023. This route, fraught with peril, saw a boat with 14 deceased migrants recently found in the Caribbean after drifting off course.
The influx includes a significant number of Malians fleeing internal crises. Between January 2023 and April 2024, over 95,000 Malians sought refuge in Mauritania, with 9,000 arriving in Spain this year. This shift is challenging Spain's previous approach to irregular migration, which focused more on economic migrants. The new influx of refugees from Mali may prompt Spain to reassess its asylum policies and international commitments.