The number of migrants arriving in the Canaries has fallen considerably in the first two months of 2025 compared to last year but continues to place great strain on the region’s resources.
Almost 7200 migrants reached Canarian shores by boat from Africa in January and February, down 40% on the same period in 2024. Interior Ministry figures show that 108 boats completed the perilous trip and made it to landing sites in various Canary Islands.
The number of arrivals represents a mammoth 78% of all migrant arrivals in Spain at present, a statistic that has prompted renewed calls by the Canarian authorities to the rest of Spain to shoulder its share of the burden by allowing the migrants, who are largely from sub-Saharan Africa, to be transferred to the mainland and alleviate the permanent pressure on the Canaries.
The tiny island of El Hierro continues to face massive pressure due to the number of arrivals, including three boats carrying over 200 occupants last Sunday alone. El Hierro regularly sees migrant boats escorted into the small harbour at La Restinga after rescue vessels are dispatched in response to reports of sightings in the Atlantic off the island. Red Cross and other emergency services are on permanent standby on El Hierro to deal with arrivals.
