The Canary Route has become a critical point for migration to Europe, with thousands of people arriving on the Canary coasts every year. This situation is reminiscent of the crisis that Italy has faced in the Mediterranean.
Since 2023, more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands, mainly from West African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania and Gambia. In 2024, as of September, the numbers already exceed 25,000 arrivals, highlighting a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied minors. These young people are fleeing extreme conditions in their countries of origin, seeking safety and opportunities.
In addition to the African flow, a new migration route is emerging from Asia. Migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan are being transported by mafia networks operating across the African continent. These criminal organisations promise safe passage to Europe in exchange for large sums of money.
The saturation in the Canary Islands is evident; the reception centres are overwhelmed and the resources are insufficient. Local authorities have tried to transfer the minors to other regions of Spain or even to other European countries, but these solutions have been systematically rejected. Without an effective response from the central government, the Canary Islands are facing this growing humanitarian crisis alone.
