Algerians lead arrivals to Ceuta and Melilla as land crossings surge 300% in first four months of 2026

Land arrivals to Ceuta and Melilla surged 300% in the first four months of 2026, with Algerians making up the largest share of those reaching the two cities, according to a new International Organization for Migration report.

The IOM recorded 2,164 people arriving by land in Ceuta and Melilla between January and April, a sharp increase from the same period last year.

The surge came as overall migration along the Western Mediterranean route also increased. A total of 5,647 people reached Spain through the route during the first four months of 2026, up 66% from a year earlier. Of those, 3,483 arrived by sea on mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, a 22% increase from the same period in 2025.

The IOM said the rise in arrivals points to growing pressure on North African departure and entry points as migrants seek to avoid coastal patrols along the Moroccan coast.

Algerians accounted for 42% of arrivals on the route, followed by Moroccans at 22%. Sudanese migrants made up 11%.

On the Atlantic route to Spain’s Canary Islands, only 2,276 people reached the islands between January and April, a 78% drop from the same period in 2025.

The organization linked the fall to stronger cooperation between Spain, the European Union and countries of origin, including tighter border controls.

But the crackdown has pushed some departures farther south, increasing the risks for people attempting the crossing.

 Departures have increasingly shifted toward Gambia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, as well as remote areas such as Gambia’s Jinack Island.

Despite the sharp fall in arrivals, the IOM recorded 155 deaths and disappearances along the route during the period.

Gambia and Senegal each accounted for 27% of arrivals on the Atlantic route.

The Central Mediterranean route recorded 8,577 arrivals in Italy and Malta, down 46% from the same period in 2025. The IOM attributed the decline partly to poor weather conditions and Hurricane Harry.

Libya remained by far the main departure point, accounting for 87% of arrivals along the route. At the same time, deaths and disappearances reached 821 cases.