Canary Islands Face Persistent Migrant Pressure in 2025: A Humanitarian Challenge

The Canary Islands continue to grapple with significant migratory pressure in 2025, serving as a primary entry point for irregular migration into Spain and the European Union.1 While recent data indicates a notable drop in overall arrivals to the archipelago compared to the peak numbers of 2024, the humanitarian challenges and strain on resources remain substantial.

A Shifting Tide, But Not a Retreat

After a record-breaking year in 2024, which saw nearly 47,000 irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands, 2025 has presented a mixed picture. Figures from early 2025, particularly up to May, show a decrease in migrant boat arrivals to the Canary Islands, with some reports indicating a drop of over 30% compared to the same period in 2024.2 This contrasts with a slight increase in arrivals to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

Despite this reduction, the Canary Islands still receive thousands of migrants via the perilous Atlantic route from West Africa. Tragic incidents, such as the recent capsizing of a boat near El Hierro in May 2025, resulting in multiple deaths, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in these journeys.3 The route, often described as one of the deadliest in the world, continues to claim lives, with many migrants traveling in unseaworthy vessels.

The Unaccompanied Minors Crisis

One of the most pressing issues facing the Canary Islands is the overwhelming number of unaccompanied migrant minors.4 Thousands of children arrive each year, and the islands' reception facilities are stretched far beyond their capacity. As of early 2025, the Canary Islands were hosting over 5,000 unaccompanied minors, despite having official facilities for only a fraction of that number.

This situation has led to significant pressure on regional authorities, as the responsibility for the care of these vulnerable children falls under their jurisdiction rather than the national government.5 While an agreement was reached in March 2025 to redistribute some of these minors to other regions of Spain, the ongoing influx ensures that the challenge persists.6

A Resilient Approach to Support

The continued pressure underscores the critical need for comprehensive and resilient approaches to migrant support. Programs like DEVMIGRA, which aim to enhance the abilities of youth workers in care facilities and migration centers, are vital.7 By focusing on developing the skills of youth workers to provide mental and psychosocial support, these initiatives directly address the trauma and stressors experienced by migrants.

Psychologists define resilience as the ability to adapt effectively to adversity, trauma, or significant stressors.8 Equipping youth workers with expertise in fostering resilience can play a crucial role in the recovery and reintegration process for migrants, especially for those who have endured harrowing journeys and profound loss.

Looking Ahead

The migratory pressure on the Canary Islands in 2025 highlights the complex interplay of geopolitical factors, economic disparities, and human resilience. While efforts are being made to manage arrivals and distribute the burden, the underlying issues driving migration from Africa remain. Spain, and indeed the wider European Union, continues to seek a balanced approach that combines border control with humanitarian aid and robust integration strategies. The emphasis on strengthening the capacity of front-line workers through programs like DEVMIGRA offers a beacon of hope in providing essential support to those seeking a new beginning.