Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, met with the regional president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, to address the challenges posed by irregular migration to the archipelago, particularly the significant number of unaccompanied minors requiring care. The Canaries have been receiving crowded boats with migrants, as the islands are closer to the northwestern African coast than mainland Spain.
Following the meeting on the island of La Palma, Sánchez announced plans to visit Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia to address the issue of irregular migration from West Africa, the main departure point for migrants traveling by boat. While Sánchez did not comment after the meeting, his minister for territorial policy, Ángel Victor Torres, confirmed that discussions with Clavijo were productive.
In response to the growing pressure on the Canary Islands, Torres declared that the Spanish government would provide an additional 50 million euros in funding to the archipelago. The region has become a primary entry point for irregular migrants into the European Union, with an overwhelming number of unaccompanied minors needing assistance.
Despite efforts to find long-term solutions, including potential legislative changes to mandate solidarity among regions, previous attempts to address the situation faced opposition from lawmakers, including those from the Popular Party. The increased arrivals have strained resources, with over 5,500 unaccompanied minors currently in the care of the Canary Islands government, surpassing the region’s capacity.
This year, more than 22,300 individuals have arrived in the Canary Islands between January and mid-August, a 126% increase from the same period last year, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry. The treacherous Atlantic route from West Africa has claimed numerous lives, with migrant boats often disappearing at sea, leading to uncertainty over the exact death toll.
Recently, Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service reported rescuing 173 individuals, including infants and women, while recovering two bodies from a boat near El Hierro. The dangers of the Atlantic crossing underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address irregular migration and prevent further loss of life.
