Migrant Arrivals to Canary Islands Drop by More Than 70%

Irregular immigration on pateras to the Canary Islands has fallen by over 70% in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a Spanish Interior Ministry report.

3,267 migrants arrived on Canarian shores in 42 boats from January to the 15th of June, compared to 11,284 in 183 boats over the same period last year.

The dramatic decrease of arrivals on the Canarian route also means that overall maritime migration to Spain fell by almost 50%.  A small increase was registered in migrants travelling to mainland Spain, while arrivals to the Balearic Islands remained roughly the same.

Meanwhile, the number of migrants who have “jumped the fence” to reach the Spanish North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla has tripled. This means that the total of migrants by land and sea until 15^th June this year was 10,701, 36% fewer than last year’s total of 16,733.