We are the fortunate islands…or the unfortunate islands of the Government
In the Canary Islands, the growing arrival of migrants contrasts dramatically with the image of a tourist paradise that the islands promote
The migration crisis in the Canary Islands has reached a new critical point with the arrival of more than 1,200 migrants to the islands in a single day, the highest number recorded so far in 2024. Among the new arrivals are at least 40 unaccompanied minors, which further aggravates the reception situation on the islands. Currently, the Canary Islands already has more than 4,500 unaccompanied migrant minors under its care, exceeding its reception and protection capacity, which has generated tensions between regional administrations and the central government.
The system for the reception of minors is on the verge of collapse, with centres overwhelmed and insufficient resources. Local authorities have expressed their frustration, pointing out that they cannot continue to assume this responsibility without further support from the Spanish government and the European Union. However, coordination measures between the different administrations remain insufficient, as demonstrated by the recent suspension of the new reception protocol by the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands, which considered it incompatible with the current legal regime.
Despite the efforts, the lack of a comprehensive solution to the growing wave of migration is putting not only the Canarian institutions in jeopardy, but also the local population, who see how the collapse of the reception systems affects all aspects of life on the islands. Meanwhile, the flow of migrants shows no signs of abating, and the authorities warn that the situation could worsen in the coming months if urgent measures are not taken.
