At least 16,156 migrants entered Spain irregularly in the first trimester of 2024, marking the highest number registered in the January-March period in the last seven years.
At least 16,156 migrants entered Spain irregularly between January and March of this year -- a sharp increase from the same period in 2023, when 4,287 migrants arrived.
This year's total marks the highest number registered in the first trimester in seven years, according to figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry.
So far this year, most of the migrants have reached Spain by sea: Over 13,000 arrived at the Canary Islands, while some 2,200 reached the peninsular coasts or the Balearic Islands.
On the Canary Islands, the number of migrant arrivals also saw a sharp increase in the final months of 2023: The year closed with nearly 40,000 new arrivals, a record figure.
Irregular crossings across the English Channel
In the meantime, the number of migrants who crossed the English Channel irregularly on small makeshift boats increased by 42% in the first trimester of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023 -- also a record number.
In the first months of the year, 5,373 migrants attempted the crossing to Great Britain from the northern coasts of France, compared to 3,793 in the 2023 trimester.
These figures were provided by the French wire agency AFP based on official British figures.
In March alone, some 3,118 migrants were registered, with a significant increase in the number of crossings in these past few days.