The irregular arrival of migrants has fallen by 40% in the last year
The Canary Islands have seen a decrease of 26,000 visitors, while the Balearic Islands route is consolidating its position as an alternative.
BarcelonaIrregular migrant arrivals to Spain by sea and land have decreased by 40% in 2025, the largest drop since 2019, according to Interior Ministry data up to December 15. However, the Balearic Islands have bucked the general downward trend with a 27% increase in arrivals. With a total of 7,295 people, this route is becoming a more common alternative and accounts for one in five arrivals registered this year. Pending data for the last two weeks of the year, the Ministry has recorded 35,935 irregular entries into Spanish territory by sea and land, although the majority of migrants with tourist visas who end up in an irregular situation are those who subsequently become undocumented. The overall decrease is due to reduced pressure on the Canary Islands, where, during this period, there has been a 60% decrease in arrivals, specifically 26,000 fewer, bringing the total to 17,500 people. Conversely, 400 boats carrying 7,295 people have arrived in the Balearic Islands, representing a 27% increase compared to last year. Mediterranean route between Algeria and the Islands Traffic is increasing due to police pressure and surveillance at more traditional entry points, such as the Canary Islands and the Strait of Gibraltar, which is now almost negligible in terms of overall traffic.
The 'increase in arrivals to the Balearic IslandsEspecially during the summer months, the shortcomings of the archipelago's reception system were highlighted, where emergency accommodations had to be set up to provide shelter and minimal care to those arriving on the islands.
New challenges with the new year
The drop in migrant arrivals has also been reflected in the tragic mortality statistics on the migration routes linking Africa to Spain, compiled periodically by the organization Caminando Fronteras. Thus, in 2025, the number of deaths has decreased. the lives of at least 3,000 peopleThat's about 7,000 fewer than in 2024. However, the lack of legal alternatives forces thousands of people fleeing war, insecurity, hunger, and persecution to leave their homes every day.
Despite the drop in numbers, Spain remains one of the main gateways to Europe. Social organizations warn that 2026 will present new challenges withentry into force of the European Pact on Migration and AsylumThey also point out that, as long as inequalities and conflicts persist in their countries of origin, thousands of people will continue to risk their lives in search of a better future.
