Authorities in Spain are concerned that up to 150,000 additional migrants from Africa may attempt the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands this year, which has already seen more than 20,000 unauthorised arrivals, the regional leader declared on Friday.
During a news conference following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit, Fernando Clavijo expressed concern over the mass migrant arrivals, stating, “We are seeing (mass arrivals) in August with bad sea conditions. In September, October, and November it could be total distress.”
Charity groups assisting migrants have warned that as many as 150,000 people, many escaping armed conflict in Mali, are planning to travel through Mauritania before attempting the dangerous boat journey to the Spanish Canary Islands, according to Fernando Clavijo.
On Friday, a boat carrying 173 migrants was rescued near the island of El Hierro, though one person was found dead on board.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to begin a tour of West African nations on Tuesday, aiming to support efforts to curb illegal migration from key departure points such as Mauritania, Senegal, and the Gambia.
Clavijo expressed support for the initiative but urged both European and Spanish authorities to increase diplomatic efforts with countries of origin.
Migrant crossings on the route from Africa to the Canary Islands have surged by 154% this year, with 21,620 people making the perilous journey in the first seven months alone, according to Frontex data.
The archipelago, home to about 2.2 million residents, continues to grapple with the influx.
Clavijo emphasized that the Canary Islands “cannot handle this pressure alone” and called for political parties to amend migration laws, allowing the relocation of thousands of underage migrants to mainland Spain.
He hoped the amendment, which failed last month, could be passed soon.
He argued that transferring minors to regions with better living conditions was a better solution than expanding the islands’ already strained reception facilities.
Rights groups report that thousands die attempting the dangerous sea crossing to the Canaries.
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