A total of 7,270 irregular migrants arrived in the Spanish archipelago between January 1 and 31
The number of immigrants from West Africa who attempted the sea route, often using unfit vessels to reach Spain’s Canary Islands, jumped more than 1,000% in January compared to a year ago, according to data released today by the country’s Ministry of the Interior.
A total of 7,270 irregular migrants arrived in the Spanish archipelago between January 1 and 31. In the same period last year, the number of migrants was 566, the ministry said.
The migratory route to the Canary Islands is characterized by the other gateway to Europe in the Atlantic Ocean, especially from the Moroccan coast and from the disputed region of Western Sahara. Last year it was the point of entry for 39,910 migrants, an all-time record.
El Hierrothe smallest and westernmost island of the Canary Islands, received more immigrants than the population of the island itself, 9,000, in 2023.
According to an annual report by rights group Walking Borders, the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands is the deadliest migration route to Spain, with 6,007 people dying last year trying to make the dangerous sea journey.
The total number of migrants who entered Spain irregularly in January – both by land and sea – was 8,067, a 524% increase compared to a year ago, the ministry added.
Source :Skai
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