Spain witnessed a significant rise in irregular migration in 2024, with 63,970 arrivals, marking a 12.5% increase from 2023. The Canary Islands bore the brunt, receiving 46,843 migrants, a 17.4% jump from the previous year.

This surge brought the total close to the 2018 record of 64,298 arrivals.

While maritime routes dominated, with over 61,000 arrivals, fewer boats were used compared to 2023. Tragically, the perilous journeys claimed lives, including two deaths on New Year’s Day in Tenerife.

The Mediterranean route saw a decline, but Ceuta experienced a sharp rise in land crossings, up by 114.5%.

The data underscores Spain’s ongoing struggle with a structural migration crisis.