.content {
}
]]>
In response to a record surge in arrivals in the Canary Islands, Spain plans to provide visas to 900,000 undocumented migrants. The initiative aims to boost Spain’s aging labor force by granting 300,000 visas annually over three years and simplifying access to the labor market. The visas will be offered only to migrants already in Spain.
The Canary Islands, located more than 100 kilometers west of Morocco, have long attracted migrants looking for a new life in Europe. The journey from Africa’s Atlantic coast to the Canaries remains one of Europe’s deadliest. Approximately 1,000 people die each month attempting the crossing, according to aid agencies.
Meanwhile, Spain is taking steps to prevent new arrivals by enhancing patrols and partnering with African nations. The Canary Islands have been witness to tensions as a result of the influx, with local protests opposing the government’s plans.
-
Africa:
Spain to Offer Visas to 900,000 Undocumented Migrants Amid Surge
VOA, 3 December 2024
Record numbers of migrants arrived on Spain’s Canary Islands from West Africa this year, according to newly released government figures. Read more »
-
Africa:
Spain Sees Opportunity in African Migrant Influx, Bucking EU Trend
VOA, 22 October 2024
As many European Union countries call for the bloc to clamp down on migration amid a surge in support for right-wing political parties, Spain is bucking the trend and insists… Read more »
-
Gambia:
Govt Clarifies Memorandum Governing Spanish Circular Migration Programme
Foroyaa, 4 November 2024
The Gambia government has in a press release has clarified the Memorandum of Understanding on Circular Migration between the government of the Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain. Read more »
-
Mauritania:
Spain and Mauritania Agree Deals to Stem Flow of Illegal Migrants
RFI, 28 August 2024
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani announced a series of agreements on Wednesday aimed at stemming a surge in migrants… Read more »
-
Mauritania:
Spanish PM to Visit Mauritania, Senegal to Address Migration Surge
RFI, 27 August 2024
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins a three-day visit to Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal Tuesday as part of his focus on curbing migration to the Canary Islands, which have… Read more »
-
More than 12, 000 migrants from Africa disembarked on the Spanish archipelago between January and March this year, according to reports. That number represents a stark increa Read more »
-
Two boats carrying mostly Somali nationals capsized off the coast of Madagascar, killing more than 20 people. It is believed that the engines failed.
Somalia’s Fore Read more »
-
About 25 people drowned after the latest boat accident off the coast of Mauritania, where migrants have been turning up in hopes of reaching Europe. The International Organization … Read more »
Libyan authorities are trained and funded by the EU to police migration, but observers argue there are better ways to discourage irregular migration