Spain received a record number of 63,970 migrants and refugees who arrived through irregular routes last year, with the majority arriving in the Canary Islands. The Atlantic migration route, which is increasingly deadly, saw at least 46,843 people reach Spain in 2024.
The European country saw an increase in arrivals from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, with conflicts in the Sahel region, unemployment, and the impact of climate change being cited as reasons for the migration. The Atlantic route, known for its dangerous waters, is considered the world’s deadliest.
Tragic incidents, such as the recent capsizing of a boat off Morocco that resulted in at least 69 deaths, have highlighted the dangers of these journeys. A report by NGO Caminando Fronteras revealed that at least 10,457 migrants died or disappeared while trying to reach Spain by sea in 2024, a 50 percent increase from the previous year.
Migrant aid groups have criticized European governments for prioritizing immigration control over the right to life, pointing to a lack of resources for rescues and arbitrary rescues as contributing factors to the surge in deaths at sea. The increasing number of fatalities underscores the need for more humanitarian-focused policies and actions to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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