A total of 14,035 migrants have arrived in Spain so far this year, 10,941 more than in the same period in 2023

MADRID, 1 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) -

A total of 14,035 migrants have arrived irregularly in Spain so far this year, 10,941 (353.6%) more than in the same period in 2023 (3,094), according to the latest balance sheet from the Ministry of the Interior published this Friday. This is double the number that arrived in the first six months of last year (7,213).

Specifically, from January 1 to February 29, 13,485 migrants entered by sea, 357.4% more than in the same period in 2023 (2,948). They did so through 286 vessels, 122 more than the previous year.

Of the total number of migrants who arrived by sea, 11,932 reached the Canary Islands, 539.8% more (10,067 more) than in the same period of the previous year, when 1,865 arrived. These arrived aboard 181 vessels, 139 more than in the same period of 2023 (42).

Meanwhile, 1,552 migrants arrived in the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands by sea, which is 45.3% more than in 2023, when 1,068 arrived. In this case, they did so in 104 vessels, 14 less than until February 15 of last year (118).

On the other hand, from January 1 to February 15 there have been no irregular arrivals of migrants to Ceuta by sea, unlike last year, when there had already been 12. In the case of Melilla, one has arrived. person, two less than last year. However, arrivals by land to both cities have increased, with 550 migrants, 404 more than in the same period in 2023 (545 to Ceuta and five to Melilla).