In the first trimester of 2024, Spain witnessed a significant surge in migrant arrivals, with at least 16,156 migrants entering irregularly. This marks a substantial increase from the same period in 2023 when only 4,287 migrants arrived. Data from the Spanish Interior Ministry reveals that this figure represents the highest number recorded in the first trimester in seven years.
Most migrants arriving in Spain this year have come by sea, with over 13,000 reaching the Canary Islands and approximately 2,200 arriving at the peninsular coasts or the Balearic Islands. Notably, the Canary Islands experienced a sharp uptick in migrant arrivals towards the end of 2023, closing the year with nearly 40,000 new arrivals, a record figure.
Concurrently, there has been a 42% increase in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel irregularly on small makeshift boats in the first trimester of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, also reaching a record number. Official British figures, reported by the French wire agency AFP, indicate that 5,373 migrants attempted the crossing to Great Britain from the northern coasts of France in the first months of this year, compared to 3,793 in the first trimester of 2023. March alone saw approximately 3,118 migrants registered, signaling a significant rise in crossings in recent days.
The surge in migrant arrivals highlights the ongoing challenges and risks faced by migrants seeking entry into European countries, often with the assistance of smugglers. These alarming trends underscore the need for comprehensive strategies and international cooperation to address migration issues effectively.
As migration continues to be a complex and pressing global issue, proactive measures must be taken to ensure migrants’ safety and well-being while upholding the principles of humanitarianism and international law.