Latest news with #Balearics'
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
East African migrants drive surge of arrivals in Spain's Balearic islands
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A couple of sub-saharan migrants embrace in a public park after arriving from Algeria earlier in the day, as more than 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants have reached the Balearic Islands since Monday, according to officials, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, August 12, 2025. REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla PALMA/BARCELONA, Spain - More than 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants have arrived in Spain's Balearic islands since Monday, officials said, as a new migratory route from North Africa gains traction after a crackdown by authorities in other jumping off points. Overall, irregular migration to Spain has fallen this year, but it has risen by 170% in the Balearics in the first six months to around 3,000 people, official data shows. The number of boats, mostly departing from Algeria, more than doubled. A significant number of the arrivals are from East Africa. Konestory, a 20-year-old South Sudanese migrant, told Reuters on Tuesday in the Mallorcan capital of Palma that he had fled from growing instability in the region. He paid $2,000 to board a boat from Algeria, which took 46 hours to reach the islands. They faced "a lot of waves", ran out of food and water, and got lost, he said. "Now I'm happy. I'm looking at ways to talk to my mom to give her the information that I reached here," he said. Authorities in the Balearic islands off eastern Spain - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - say they feel abandoned. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 dead after fire in Jalan Bukit Merah flat, about 60 evacuated Singapore How the SAF's drone push for recruits reflects new battlefield realities Singapore HSA seeks Kpod investigators to arrest abusers, conduct anti-trafficking ops Opinion The 30s are heavy: Understanding suicide among Singapore's young adults Singapore Lawyer who sent misleading letters to 22 doctors fails in bid to quash $18,000 penalty Singapore Jail, caning for recalcitrant drug offender who assaulted 2 cops with stun device Singapore 4 taken to hospital after accident near Sports Hub, including 2 rescued with hydraulic tools Singapore SG60: Many hands behind Singapore's success story They fear they could become a new migrant gateway, like the Canary Islands, which received 47,000 from West Africa at the peak of that route's popularity in 2024. Arrivals in the Canaries fell by 46% in January-July of this year, largely thanks to tightened controls by Mauritania. "Where is the government of (Pedro) Sanchez?" Balearic regional leader Marga Prohens posted on X on Wednesday, referring to Spain's prime minister. She called for increased law enforcement resources and cooperation with Algeria. The central government said last month it would improve the Balearics' capacity to absorb arrivals. Local media in Mallorca have reported cases of newly arrived migrants being left by authorities for several hours in parks due to an absence of shelters before they board ferries to the mainland. REUTERS
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
East African migrants drive surge of arrivals in Spain's Balearic islands
A couple of sub-saharan migrants embrace in a public park after arriving from Algeria earlier in the day, as more than 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants have reached the Balearic Islands since Monday, according to officials, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, August 12, 2025. REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla PALMA/BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) -More than 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants have arrived in Spain's Balearic islands since Monday, officials said, as a new migratory route from North Africa gains traction after a crackdown by authorities in other jumping off points. Overall, irregular migration to Spain has fallen this year, but it has risen by 170% in the Balearics in the first six months to around 3,000 people, official data shows. The number of boats, mostly departing from Algeria, more than doubled. A significant number of the arrivals are from East Africa. Konestory, a 20-year-old South Sudanese migrant, told Reuters on Tuesday in the Mallorcan capital of Palma that he had fled from growing instability in the region. He paid $2,000 to board a boat from Algeria, which took 46 hours to reach the islands. They faced "a lot of waves", ran out of food and water, and got lost, he said. "Now I'm happy. I'm looking at ways to talk to my mom to give her the information that I reached here," he said. Authorities in the Balearic islands off eastern Spain - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - say they feel abandoned. They fear they could become a new migrant gateway, like the Canary Islands, which received 47,000 from West Africa at the peak of that route's popularity in 2024. Arrivals in the Canaries fell by 46% in January-July of this year, largely thanks to tightened controls by Mauritania. "Where is the government of (Pedro) Sanchez?" Balearic regional leader Marga Prohens posted on X on Wednesday, referring to Spain's prime minister. She called for increased law enforcement resources and cooperation with Algeria. The central government said last month it would improve the Balearics' capacity to absorb arrivals. Local media in Mallorca have reported cases of newly arrived migrants being left by authorities for several hours in parks due to an absence of shelters before they board ferries to the mainland. (Reporting by Francisco Ubilla and Joan Faus, editing by Aislinn Laing and Giles Elgood)
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Exact July date not to fly to or from Majorca as striking hotel workers unveil plans for devastating airport blockade
Chaos may be in store for thousands of holidaymakers flying in and out of the Balearics HOLIDAY NIGHTMARE Exact July date not to fly to or from Majorca as striking hotel workers unveil plans for devastating airport blockade Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOTEL workers are planning to blockade Majorca's airport in a major protest over pay and conditions that could throw holidays into chaos. It comes as over 180,000 workers in the Balearic Islands announced plans to strike on multiple dates throughout July. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hotel workers are planning a blockade on Majorca's airport on the first day of strikes Credit: Alamy 6 People march during a protest against overtourism in the Balearic Island of Majorca Credit: AP 6 Hotel workers in the Balearics earn less than the average hospitality worker in Spain Credit: Rex Unions say the goal of the airport blockade is to prevent entry and access points to the Balearics, which include Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca. The blockade is scheduled for July 10 - the first day of the Balearics' anti-tourism strikes. Walkouts will be repeated on July 18, 19, 25 and 31, with each one lasting the full 24 hours. A general strike in the hospitality sector, along with demonstrations across the Balearics' three main islands, was officially announced by the UGT union on Monday. The measure - carried out jointly with the CCOO union (Workers' Commissions) - will affect hotels, tourist accommodation, bars, restaurants, catering services, nightclubs and nightclubs. Both the Government Delegation and tourism bosses are reportedly aware of the looming strikes and protests. On July 10, marches in Majorca will begin at the Paseo Marítimo de Palma (at the height of Titos) and the Son Sant Joan Airport. Access points for arrivals and departures at Playa de Palma (Las Maravillas), Alcudia, Magaluf and Cala Millor will be blocked. The UGT is calling on nearly 180,000 workers to join these strikes. The goal is to put pressure on the hospitality sector to improve pay and working conditions. 6 Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Workers in the Balearics are paid less than the average hospitality worker in Spain, according to the CCOO. The strike alert was triggered on June 26 after unions walked out of talks over disagreements on pay raises and better working conditions. The UGT rejected an offer for an 11 percent salary increase, saying the gap between their demands and the employers' proposal was still "too great". José García Relucio, General Secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption of UGT, said the talks "could not have gone worse" and condemned employers' inflexibility around pay. Meanwhile, Javier Vich, President of the Hotel Business Federation of Majorca, blamed unions for failing to meet a compromise. But he added that employers were making "all the necessary efforts" to reach a "fair" agreement with workers. The union CCOO says that it will not sign below a 15 percent wage increase. Employers also rejected the UGT's proposal to reduce workers' hours to 35 per week. The UGT representatives left the meeting without signing the minutes of the session, while those from the CCOO signed the document. It comes as the streets of Majorca have seen a number of protests against overtourism since the start of the year. In June, anti-tourist protestors swarmed a table of dining Brits and chanted "go home" and "go to hell". Officers were called to the scene in central Palma. Meanwhile, one Majorcan resident revealed a new, more insidious tactic deployed by locals to keep tourists out of popular beaches. Explaining the trick in a video online, she said locals are making up names for "secret" coves that are actually "dangerous" parts of the city located miles away from the coast. 6 Protests against overtourism have erupted across Spain since April 2024 Credit: Reuters 6 Demonstrators gather during an anti-tourist protest in Barcelona Credit: Reuters
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Exact July date not to fly to or from Majorca as striking hotel workers unveil plans for devastating airport blockade
HOTEL workers are planning to blockade Majorca's airport in a major protest over pay and conditions that could throw holidays into chaos. It comes as over 180,000 workers in the Advertisement 6 Hotel workers are planning a blockade on Majorca's airport on the first day of strikes Credit: Alamy 6 People march during a protest against overtourism in the Balearic Island of Majorca Credit: AP 6 Hotel workers in the Balearics earn less than the average hospitality worker in Spain Credit: Rex Unions say the goal of the airport blockade is to prevent entry and access points to the Balearics, which include The blockade is scheduled for July 10 - the first day of the Balearics' anti-tourism strikes. Walkouts will be repeated on July 18, 19, 25 and 31, with each one lasting the full 24 hours. A general strike in the hospitality sector, along with demonstrations across the Balearics' three main islands, was officially announced by the UGT union on Monday. Advertisement Read more world news The measure - carried out jointly with the CCOO union (Workers' Commissions) - will affect hotels, tourist accommodation, bars, restaurants, catering services, nightclubs and nightclubs. Both the Government Delegation and tourism bosses are reportedly aware of the looming strikes and protests. On July 10, marches in Majorca will begin at the Paseo Marítimo de Palma (at the height of Titos) and the Son Sant Joan Airport. Access points for arrivals and departures at Playa de Palma (Las Maravillas), Alcudia, Magaluf and Cala Millor will be blocked. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The UGT is calling on nearly 180,000 workers to join these strikes. The goal is to put pressure on the hospitality sector to improve pay and working conditions. 6 Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Workers in the Balearics are paid less than the average hospitality worker in Spain, according to the CCOO. Advertisement The strike alert was triggered on June 26 after unions walked out of talks over disagreements on pay raises and better working conditions. The UGT rejected an offer for an 11 percent salary increase, saying the gap between their demands and the employers' proposal was still "too great". José García Relucio, General Secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption of UGT, said the talks "could not have gone worse" and condemned employers' inflexibility around pay. Meanwhile, Javier Vich, President of the Hotel Business Federation of Majorca, blamed unions for failing to meet a compromise. Advertisement But he added that employers were making "all the necessary efforts" to reach a "fair" agreement with workers. The union CCOO says that it will not sign below a 15 percent wage increase. Employers also rejected the UGT's proposal to reduce workers' hours to 35 per week. The UGT representatives left the meeting without signing the minutes of the session, while those from the CCOO signed the document. Advertisement It comes as the streets of Majorca have seen a number of In June, anti-tourist Officers were called to the scene in central Palma. Meanwhile, one Majorcan resident Advertisement Explaining the trick in a video online, she said locals are making up names for "secret" coves that are actually "dangerous" parts of the city located miles away from the coast. 6 Protests against overtourism have erupted across Spain since April 2024 Credit: Reuters 6 Demonstrators gather during an anti-tourist protest in Barcelona Credit: Reuters What is overtourism? Overtourism refers to the phenomenon where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism Some solutions include: Safeguarding historical and heritage sites Promoting off-peak travel Tourism caps and regulations Promoting lesser-known destinations
Telegraph
08-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Balearic Islands to raise tourist tax and put levy on hire cars
The Balearic Islands is to increase its tourist tax and put a new levy on hire cars as the archipelago announced a set of 'tourism containment measures' on Friday. The tourist tax, also known as the 'eco-tax', will rise from €4 to a maximum of €6 a night per person in peak summer months, although plans still need to be approved by the regional parliament. The levy is meant to finance environmental projects but has been used for a range of schemes, including a Covid relief fund. It will be applied at four different rates across 10 months from March to December, with January and February being exempt. The rise will add an extra €56 to the cost of a fortnight in Majorca, Ibiza or Menorca for a couple during the peak months, but under-16s are expected to remain exempt from the charge. Cruise passengers visiting the Balearics in June, July and August will see their 'eco-tax' tripled from two euros to six euros for each night they stay. The planned levy on hire cars will be for vehicles arriving on the islands from elsewhere, affecting tourists and hire car companies who ship in vehicles for the summer months. Jaume Bauzá, tourism minister in the conservative People's Party Balearic government, said: 'The islands have reached their limit.' The proposals will also raise the fine on holiday rental platforms advertising unlicensed properties to €500,000, as well as ban new holiday rental flats within residential apartment buildings. The move comes after protests over the past year against the impact of tourism, particularly on housing, with locals saying they are being priced out of the rental market. A study by Fotocasa, the housing platform, last year showed that the average monthly rent in the Balearics had risen from €562 to €1,451 in a decade, with prices considerably higher in hotspots such as Palma de Mallorca. Tourism on the rise Despite efforts to tackle over-tourism, the sector grew in 2024, with the Islands welcoming 18.7 million visitors, a rise of five per cent. About 15.3 million of the visitors were foreigners, with Germans and Britons being the most common overseas guests. Bringing in 22.4 billion euros per year, tourism represents more than half of the Islands' GDP. Margalida Prohens, the Balearic premier, last week presented a major review of the tourism sector to facilitate a 'transition to sustainability'. She said the report would provide the basis for 'a long-term process, which goes beyond any particular legislature or government mandate'. Ms Prohens has said she will not shirk difficult decisions and has not ruled out imposing a numerical limit on tourist numbers, which is something no Balearic government has done. 'Discriminatory and revenue-seeking' Friday's announcement drew sharp criticism from the Balearics' tourism industry associations. Majorca's hotel federation said that the 'eco-tax' hike would have a direct impact on tourists' spending capacity, affecting shops, restaurants and the leisure sector. The same association however welcomed stricter measures against unlicensed holiday rental homes, although it complained about a 'lack of courage' in merely imposing a ban on new holiday apartments in residential blocks as opposed to a reduction in existing ones. The islands' Baleval car rental association described the proposed new tax on tourist vehicles as 'discriminatory and revenue-seeking', warning that it will not succeed in decongesting the archipelago's roads, notorious for their high-season traffic jams.
