The Balearic Islands are experiencing a record surge in irregular migration, with over 1,000 people arriving in the Spanish archipelago in just over a week. The sharp rise has prompted the regional government to call an emergency meeting with island mayors.
Regional Governor Marga Prohens of the Popular Party described the situation as “unprecedented” in the islands’ recent history and warned that the region lacks sufficient resources to handle the influx. On Thursday, she convened an urgent meeting with the leaders of Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Minorca to discuss immediate measures.
Speaking to Radio Mallorca, Prohens accused Spain’s central government of ignoring the crisis. She criticized Madrid’s “open borders policy,” claiming it encourages irregular arrivals. “The central government looks the other way and is still on holiday,” she said, adding that local authorities have been left alone to manage the burden.
The crisis in the Balearic Islands adds to ongoing tensions in the Canary Islands, where a dispute between the regional and central governments over the transfer of 4,500 migrant children has already reached the courts. Prohens warned that the child protection system in her region is “collapsing” under the weight of constant arrivals, especially unaccompanied minors.
The governor also announced tougher measures to stop what she called the “pull effect” of unchecked migration. This includes stricter verification of minors’ ages before granting access to Spain’s protection system, a move aimed at preventing misuse of child asylum services.
Despite government concerns, migrant landings have continued unabated. On Wednesday alone, Spanish rescue services intercepted five boats carrying 105 people near Cabrera, Mallorca, and Formentera. A day earlier, nine boats with 160 migrants—mostly of African origin—arrived across the archipelago, according to official figures.
To manage the flow, temporary reception centers have been set up in Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and La Savina on Formentera.
Since January, nearly 4,700 migrants on 251 boats have landed in the Balearic Islands, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry. That figure is already approaching last year’s total of 5,882 arrivals.
Local officials warn that unless stronger action is taken, the crisis could overwhelm not only migration facilities but also broader social services in the Mediterranean archipelago.