Spain set a new record for irregular migrant arrivals in 2024, with 63,970 individuals entering the country by land or sea, according to data from the Interior Ministry released on Thursday.
This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers, surpassing the 2023 total of 55,718, which was nearly double the figure recorded in 2022.
In 2024, the majority of migrants — 46,843 — undertook the perilous sea journey from northwest Africa to the Canary Islands. Tragically, an average of 30 lives were lost each day attempting to reach Spain, according to a December report by the NGO Caminando Fronteras. The report estimates nearly 10,000 fatalities on routes to the Canary Islands alone.
The president of the Canary Islands emphasized the region’s struggle to manage the influx, particularly with minors, noting that services are overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care in line with human rights standards.
Spain’s Migration Minister, Elma Saiz, addressed the issue during an interview with Spanish broadcaster RTVE, stating that the government is working towards an agreement to automatically transfer young migrants to the mainland.
She also announced that Spain’s new immigration law, coming into effect in 2025, will legalize around 300,000 undocumented migrants annually over three years.
“2025 will position Spain as a model for inclusion and harmonious coexistence with migrants,” Saiz said. She also praised the EU’s Migration Pact, agreed upon in 2024, which will be implemented alongside Spain’s reforms in 2025.
The second-largest migration route into Spain in 2024 involved nearly 14,500 arrivals by ship to the mainland or the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean.
Additionally, over 2,500 migrants crossed into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, more than doubling the figure from 2023.
April 3, 2025, marks the final deadline for non-EU nationals to apply for Spain's Golden Visa Program, offering residency through investments before the scheme ends.
Madrid's streets were filled with excitement as the Three Kings Parade returned, drawing thousands of spectators. The event marked the end of the Christmas season, with families and children celebrating the magic of the night.
Barcelona celebrated January 1st with sunshine, music, and vibrant energy on its iconic Barceloneta Beach. Revelers, both locals and tourists, flocked to the golden sands, dancing, swimming, and enjoying perfect weather as they we
Fourteen crew members were rescued after the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank off Spain’s coast following an explosion in its engine room. Two crew members are missing, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue.
Google Street View snaps a photo of a man shoving a large white sack into his car boot. The sack is alleged to be a corpse and may relate to an alleged murder case in Spain.
Iran's Foreign Ministry criticizes Macron's "baseless" remarks ahead of nuclear talks, rejecting claims about its nuclear program as "deceitful" and insisting on peaceful intentions.
Snowfall and fog cause flight delays at Almaty Airport, affecting departures and arrivals on January 8. Weather warnings issued nationwide.
Ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's expected inauguration later this week, two U.S. citizens were among a group of seven individuals arrested in Venezuela on January 7. Maduro has branded the detainees as "mercenaries," adding to the tension surrounding his third-term.
Samsung Electronics, the global leader in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions, has released its fourth-quarter operating profit estimate, revealing a significant shortfall compared to analyst expectations. The South Korean tech giant reported an estimated operating profit of 6.5 trillion won.
President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by refusing to rule out military or economic measures to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, which he claims are crucial to U.S. national security.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the importance of improved coordination between military and civilian services following the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which resulted in 38 fatalities.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet's Himalayan foothills, killing at least 100 and shaking Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Tremors reached as far as Kathmandu and Thimphu.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix returns to Baku from September 19-21, 2025, as the 17th race of the season.
Ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's expected inauguration later this week, two U.S. citizens were among a group of seven individuals arrested in Venezuela on January 7. Maduro has branded the detainees as "mercenaries," adding to the tension surrounding his third-term.
President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by refusing to rule out military or economic measures to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, which he claims are crucial to U.S. national security.
Oil prices rose on Wednesday, driven by tighter supply from OPEC members and Russia, alongside stronger-than-expected U.S. job data indicating economic growth and higher oil demand.
A light aircraft crash near Rottnest Island, off Perth's coast, has claimed the lives of the pilot and two tourists from Switzerland and Denmark, with three others injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.
A massive wildfire erupted in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, on Tuesday, forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate as flames engulfed homes and spread rapidly under fierce winds.
Iran's Foreign Ministry criticizes Macron's "baseless" remarks ahead of nuclear talks, rejecting claims about its nuclear program as "deceitful" and insisting on peaceful intentions.
Snowfall and fog cause flight delays at Almaty Airport, affecting departures and arrivals on January 8. Weather warnings issued nationwide.
Ahead of President Nicolás Maduro's expected inauguration later this week, two U.S. citizens were among a group of seven individuals arrested in Venezuela on January 7. Maduro has branded the detainees as "mercenaries," adding to the tension surrounding his third-term.
Samsung Electronics, the global leader in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions, has released its fourth-quarter operating profit estimate, revealing a significant shortfall compared to analyst expectations. The South Korean tech giant reported an estimated operating profit of 6.5 trillion won.
President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by refusing to rule out military or economic measures to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, which he claims are crucial to U.S. national security.
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