Europe: Unprecedented influx of migrants to the Canaries from Morocco

October observed an alarming turning point in the European migration crisis, with a record number of illegal migrants arriving in the Canaries via the West African route from the Moroccan coast. The European Coast and Border Guard agency, Frontex, conveyed these unprecedented figures in the last 14 years, according to a statement released on November 15.

A worrying general trend at the borders of Europe

This wave in illegal arrivals is part of a wider trend at Europe’s borders, with the highest number of illegal crossings since 2015, according to Frontex. Although the central Mediterranean pathway, leading to the island of Lampedusa and the Italian coast, was less travelled in October 2023 compared to the previous year, it stayed the busiest route of the year, with 143,613 detections.

A perilous road with an alarming human toll

The central Mediterranean likewise remains the deadliest route, with 2,187 victims registered this year, according to the International Organization for Migration. The figures reveal a daunting humanitarian challenge, highlighting the need for concerted action to prevent loss of life at sea.

Profiles of migrants: Syrians in the lead

The migrants taking these clandestine routes to Europe are mostly Syrians, followed by nationals of Guinea and Ivory Coast. This diversity of nationalities highlights the complexity of the migratory phenomenon and the necessity for lasting solutions to deal with this crisis.

This situation highlights the urgency of strengthened international cooperation to effectively manage migratory flows and address the root causes that push these individuals to undertake such perilous journeys. Europe’s response to this migration crisis will be crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of people seeking refuge on the continent.