A record 41,425 migrants reached Spain's Canary Islands in the first 11 months of 2024, surpassing last year's total of 39,910 with a month still to go, official data shows.
The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands has become increasingly popular for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict in West Africa, despite its dangers.
Many arrive on overcrowded, makeshift boats without enough drinking water. Authorities report 610 boats have reached the islands so far this year, compared to 530 in 2023.
Dangerous crossing
The Atlantic crossing is one of the deadliest migration routes to Europe due to strong currents and rough weather. The International Organization for Migration estimates nearly 5,000 people have died attempting the journey since 2014.
Mali, Senegal, and Morocco are the main countries of origin for those arriving in the Canary Islands, the European Union's border agency Frontex said.
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The regional government of the Canaries says it is struggling to manage the surge. The islands, home to 2.2 million people, are often a first stop for migrants before they are transferred to mainland Spain.
The Spanish government has stepped up efforts to address the crisis. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez toured West African nations earlier this year, securing agreements to reduce departures from Senegal, Mauritania, and the Gambia.
Spain has also urged Frontex to restart its air and sea patrols in the region, which ended in 2018.
Workforce visas
In addition to border control measures, Spain is offering visas to up to 900,000 undocumented migrants already in the country. The programme, which will grant 300,000 visas annually over three years, aims to integrate migrants into the workforce.
"Spain has to choose between being an open and prosperous country or being a closed and poor country," said Migration Minister Elma Saiz.
The Canary Islands are part of a broader trend, as Spain remains one of Europe's main entry points for migrants, alongside Italy and Greece. A total of 56,976 migrants have entered Spain without documentation so far in 2024, exceeding last year's figure of 56,852.
