A recent report on Spanish national security reveals a major shift in irregular migration trends, with Mali emerging as the leading country of origin for migrants arriving in Spain, marking a 543% increase compared to 2023.
This rise is linked to worsening economic and security conditions in Mali.
Migration routes have also shifted significantly, with Mauritania surpassing Morocco and Algeria as the main country of departure in 2024, recording over 25,000 departures.
In total, 61,372 migrants reached Spain by sea, a 10.3% increase from the previous year, setting a new record and highlighting the growing use of the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, which saw a 17.4% rise in arrivals.
Sub-Saharan migrants now represent 72% of all irregular arrivals in Spain, up from 62% in 2023, signaling a decline in North African departures and a resurgence of routes through Niger, particularly via Agadez, and a persistent Algerian corridor despite tighter controls.
The report notes a shift in migrant profiles, with 15,261 Malians, 11,824 Senegalese, 9,552 Algerians, and 6,945 Moroccans arriving in Spain in 2024.
The increase in asylum seekers, particularly from the Sahel, is placing significant pressure on Spain’s reception and humanitarian systems.
The Atlantic route continues to grow (+18%), while Mediterranean arrivals have declined by 6% due to stricter controls in Libya and Tunisia.
