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![Increase in Irregular Migrant Arrivals to Spain in the First Quarter]()
Increase in Irregular Migrant Arrivals to Spain in the First Quarter
According to official data, the number of irregular migrants arriving in Spain in the first quarter saw a sharp increase. In total, Spain welcomed 16,156 irregular migrants by the end of March, which is a 277% increase compared to 2023, when 4,287 people arrived in the country illegally.
Breaking down the numbers, arrivals in the Canary Islands multiplied by five, from 2,178 to 13,115 (+502%). 2,235 migrants arrived on the mainland and the Balearic Islands, a 21.4% increase compared to 2023. In total, 15,351 people arrived by sea aboard 353 boats. This figure is significantly higher than the previous year, when 4,067 people arrived on 234 boats.
However, decreases were noted in arrivals to the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.