Spain's irregular migration decreased by 25.6% last year

Source: Schengen Visa Info

Data provided by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has revealed that irregular immigration to Spain during the past year decreased by 25.6 percent, from 41,945 arrivals recorded in 2021 to 31,219 in 2022.

The same source states that the most pronounced decrease was in the entrances from the sea. At the same time, they show a general decrease on the coasts of the peninsula, Ceuta, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, both in the number of irregular immigrants and in the number of boats, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

Meanwhile, compared to 2021, illegal arrivals from the sea have decreased by 27.9 percent in 2022, which represents a reduction of 11,170 people. As for boats, the figure has decreased to 445, 20.7 percent less.

From the total number, the biggest drop was noted in the Canary Islands, where the number of irregular immigrants last year fell by 6,634, from 22,316 to 15,682, or a drop of 29.7 percent compared to 2021. On the other hand, in the case of ships, the decrease is 35.4 percent, i.e. 192 less than in 2021.

“The progressive decline in irregular immigration, which has decreased for the second consecutive year and for the third time in four years, is supported by the migration policy promoted by the Ministry of the Interior in this period, promoting cooperation with the countries of origin and transit of the immigration and reinforcing the fight against the mafias that traffic people,” the Ministry pointed out.

According to the Ministry, the double strategy also makes it possible to avoid almost 40 percent of departures to the Spanish territory of origin.

In October, an agreement was reached by the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of Spain, Jose Luis Escriva, and the President of the Canaries, Ángel Victor Torres, to provide a direct subsidy to the archipelago, in the total amount of 50 million euros to guarantee inclusive reception of migrants.

Such an agreement was reached during Minister Escriva’s visit to the Canary Islands, where he also announced that there would be an immediate and structural reinforcement of the Social Security workforce in the Canary Islands.

In addition, the Minister characterized this agreement as a recognition of the unique effort of the Canary Islands in terms of migration. He also added that the resources can be used regarding the care of unaccompanied minors, in actions in the field of education and health, as well as in work with the countries of origin of migrants.