Lower smuggling costs in Morocco lead to increased migrant arrivals in Spain’s Canary Islands.

The Changing Dynamics of Migration: A Closer Look at Migrant Arrivals to Spain’s Canary Islands

A recent study by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) has shed light on the factors driving a surge in migrant arrivals to Spain’s Canary Islands from Morocco. The study revealed that cheaper smuggling costs and stricter border controls on the Spanish mainland have made the Canary Islands route more attractive to migrants.

According to the findings, a boat trip from Morocco to the Canary Islands costs around 2,500 euros, making it nearly half the price of crossing to the Spanish Peninsula. This significant cost difference has influenced migration flows, with an increase in Moroccan arrivals by sea to the Peninsula and a surge in arrivals to the Canary Islands from other African nations.

The report highlights the increase in migrant arrivals from Morocco to the Canary Islands in 2023, despite most canoes reaching the archipelago originating from Mauritania and Senegal. Interviews with migrants revealed insights into the price variations for different routes, with the Canary Islands crossing typically costing around 2,500 euros, influencing the decision-making process for migrants.