Irregular Immigration
64,019 arrivals in 2024
In 2024, 64,019 people arrived irregularly, a historic record. However, this represents only 6% of total immigration: 94% arrive through regular channels.
Key data
46.843
Arrivals to Canary Islands 2024
+17.4% vs 2023
1.719
Vessels 2024
Historic record
-42,6%
Drop in 2025
36,775 vs 64,019
167.000
Asylum applications 2024
2nd EU country after Germany
Arrivals by route (2024)
View data in table
| Route | Arrivals 2024 | 2025 Var. |
|---|---|---|
| Canarias | 46.843 | -62% |
| Península (mar) | 8.598 | -9,4% |
| Baleares | 5.882 | +24,5% |
| Ceuta y Melilla | 2.647 | +45,4% |
Historical series irregular arrivals (2006-2024)
View data in table
| Year | Arrivals |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 39.180 (crisis cayucos) |
| 2008 | 13.424 |
| 2010 | 3.632 |
| 2012 | 3.804 |
| 2014 | 4.552 |
| 2016 | 8.162 |
| 2018 | 64.298 |
| 2020 | 41.861 |
| 2022 | 31.219 |
| 2024 | 64.019 (récord) |
Methodological context
Irregular entries are a minority of total immigration: in the last 10 years, 94% of foreigners arrived through regular channels. Between 70-80% of people who arrived by boat in 2024 applied for asylum. The main path to irregularity is not border crossing, but "overstaying" (remaining after visa expiration). Note: Historical data from the Ministry of Interior on irregular arrivals began being systematically published from 2006, coinciding with the cayuco crisis. Earlier data is fragmentary.