Cambios y tendencias en la migración irregular por vía marítima a Canarias (2019-2024)

Abstract

Since 2019, the flow of irregular migrants arriving by sea to the Canary Islands from the African continent has remained high. Over the past six years, these flows have evolved in terms of magnitude and composition, as well as in the characteristics of the migration process itself. This variability has been shaped by changing conditions in countries of origin, as well as by policies implemented in Europe—particularly in Spain. The aim of this article is to highlight the various changes that have characterized irregular migration to the Canary Islands from 2019 to the present and to interpret these changes in light of border control measures developed in Europe. To achieve this, a methodology combining both quantitative and qualitative sources will be used. These include primary data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Transport, FRONTEX, scientific publications, press articles, as well as consultations with non-governmental organizations and interviews with stakeholders involved in the field. The paper concludes by showing that the migration cycle affecting the Canary Islands has not been homogeneous over the past six years. Several distinct phases can be identified. Since 2023, a new stage appears to have begun, in which the Canary Islands’ maritime border is becoming increasingly globalized as a gateway to the European Union—a trend that seems to be contributing to a rise in accidents and fatalities.