El Hierro, a remote island in Spain’s Canary archipelago, has emerged as a major migration hotspot in Europe.
In 2023, 19,400 migrants have arrived, nearly double the island’s population of 11,400, overwhelming local resources.
Struggles for Resources and Shelter
Nuestra Señora de los Reyes hospital, designed for 31 patients, now accommodates both locals and migrants suffering from hypothermia, dehydration, and injuries.
Emergency services have been stretched, with tents erected in parking lots and at the port to manage the influx.
Local residents, like Teresa Camacho, express concerns about the strain on healthcare, while medical staff report exhaustion from continuous demands.
Routes and Risks
Migrants primarily hail from Mali, Senegal, and Morocco, driven by conflict, poverty, and economic instability.
Many embark on perilous journeys from Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia, paying smugglers €400-€1,500 for the dangerous 2,200-kilometer sea crossing.
The journey has become deadlier, with September witnessing the worst recorded shipwreck off El Hierro, where 63 of 90 passengers drowned.
Rising Numbers in the Canaries
The Canary Islands have seen a 23% year-on-year rise in migrant arrivals, totaling 39,713 as of mid-November.
This contrasts with a 43% decrease in overall EU irregular migration, attributed to tighter controls on other routes, including the central Mediterranean.
Broader Migratory Trends
Migrants increasingly seek alternative paths due to stricter controls in Libya and Tunisia, while the Canaries attract a growing number from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
Pakistanis, in particular, have paid up to €16,000 for journeys, reflecting shifting migratory flows.
Challenges for Local Authorities
The Canaries’ government is overwhelmed, especially with the care of 5,600 unaccompanied minors.
While Madrid has provided €100 million in aid since 2022 and pledged another €50 million, local officials argue it’s insufficient to manage the “avalanche” of arrivals.
Spain and EU Responses
Spain has strengthened partnerships with Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia for border control and deportation efforts, although no formal deportation agreements exist with Mali or Senegal.
Madrid is pushing for Frontex to restart surveillance in Africa, pending EU negotiations with host countries.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Migration researcher Alberto Ares highlights the necessity of addressing root causes like instability in the Sahel, while also opening legal migration pathways to reduce reliance on smugglers.
