Morocco becomes second-largest source of irregular migrants to Spain in 2024
Data from Spain's 2024 National Security Report reveals that over 13,000 irregular migrants departed from Moroccan shores en route to Spain, making Morocco the second-largest departure point after Mauritania, which recorded more than 25,000 departures that same year.
The report, published by the National Security Department under the Spanish Prime Minister's Office, confirms a growing migratory pressure on Spanish coastlines, with a record 61,372 sea arrivals in 2024—an increase of 10.3% compared to 2023.
In addition to Morocco and Mauritania, Algeria recorded 12,038 migrant departures, while thousands more departed from sub-Saharan African countries, notably Senegal (8,970), The Gambia (1,943), and Guinea-Bissau (250).
According to the report, the Canary Islands received the highest number of arrivals, with 46,843 migrants—up 17.4% from the previous year—while the Balearic Islands saw a sharp rise of 158.3%.
While the traditional migration route from Morocco and Algeria followed the «Western Mediterranean route», the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands saw an 18% increase in traffic, in contrast to a 6% decline along the Western Mediterranean route.
This shift is attributed to stricter controls in Libya and Tunisia, which have redirected migration flows toward Mauritania, Senegal, and Morocco—significantly increasing pressure on these countries. The report underscores that Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, and Senegal are now facing mounting challenges due to this shift.
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