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Irregular migration to Spain drops by 38.5% in early 2025
There has been a significant decrease in arrivals of illegal migrants in Spain, with the Canary Islands seeing the sharpest decline
The number of migrants arriving in Spain irregularly has dropped significantly in the first six weeks of 2025. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior, 8,107 people entered the country without authorisation between January 1 and February 15, marking a 38.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
The majority of these arrivals (7,960) were by sea, reflecting a 38.8% reduction from last year. These migrants travelled on 183 boats, 81 fewer than in early 2024. The Canary Islands, a key entry point for migrants crossing from West Africa, recorded the most significant drop.
So far in 2025, 6,622 migrants have reached the Canary Islands, a 43.3% decrease from the same period last year. The number of vessels used to reach the islands has also fallen by 42.3%, with 101 recorded landings compared to 175 in early 2024.
Spain’s population recently breached the 49 million barrier, largely as a result of immigration rather than high birth rates.
In contrast, arrivals by sea to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands have remained steady. A total of 1,338 migrants reached these destinations in 2025, just 0.6% more than the 1,330 recorded last year. However, the number of boats used for these journeys has declined, with 82 recorded so far, 6.8% fewer than in 2024.
Meanwhile, irregular land crossings into Ceuta and Melilla have also declined. A total of 147 people entered Spain through these North African enclaves, 32 fewer than last year. Ceuta saw 137 land arrivals, a decrease of 39 people, while Melilla recorded 10, which is seven more than in 2024. No arrivals by sea have been reported in these autonomous cities.
These figures reflect an overall decline in irregular migration to Spain so far this year, with the Canary Islands seeing the most pronounced reduction.
However, migration patterns remain fluid, and future trends will depend on various factors, including weather conditions, border control policies and geopolitical developments in the countries of origin.
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