The migratory flow to the Canary Islands from Morocco has surged by 50% on May 31 compared to the same period in 2021, after a significant decrease in arrivals recorded in the first quarter of this year.
Arrivals from Morocco to the Canary Islands increased by 50%, adding 8,268 arrivals in 181 boats, by May 31, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, seen by Europa Press.
From March 15 to April 15, irregular migrants arriving in the Canary Islands from Morocco decreased by 42% since Pedro Sánchez sent a letter to the King of Morocco on March 14.
In addition to an intensified crackdown on migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands from Morocco, officials from the neighboring countries signed an agreement that would permit the extradition of migrants who arrived irregularly to the Canary Islands, by opening two new lines from the Canary Islands to Casablanca and Agadir, in addition to an existing route to Laayoune.
The Spanish government expects the number of migrants who will be returned to Morocco to “significantly increase”, compared to pre-covid-19, according to sources who spoke to Spanish El Pais.
According to Spanish police data, in 2021, 40% of irregular migrants arrived on the Spanish coast from Morocco, 30% from Algeria, and 30% from sub-Saharan countries.
2020 and 2021 saw a considerable increase in the number of migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Canary Islands, assesses the IOM.
Analysts say difficult economic situations, exacerbated by the pandemic, in addition to insecurity and the climate crisis all contributed to the rise in migrants on this route.
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