Spain Migrant Arrivals Drop 40% in 2025

Overall migrant arrivals to Spanish borders via maritime and terrestrial routes have decreased by 40% this year. This marks the most significant reduction recorded since 2019. The data, current as of December 15, indicates a general decline across major entry points.

Despite the national decrease, specific regions experienced divergent trends:

• The Balearic Islands saw a 27% increase in maritime entries.
• The Canary Islands administration reported a sense of relief due to changing migration routes.
• Badalona witnessed the eviction of migrants from an abandoned school.

These developments reflect the volatile nature of migration patterns as individuals seek to escape hunger, violence, and discrimination.

Spain recorded a total decrease of 40% in migrant arrivals this year, the sharpest drop since 2019. The reduction applies to both maritime and terrestrial borders. This statistical shift suggests a significant change in the flow of people attempting to reach Spanish territory.

However, this national average masks specific regional variations. The Canary Islands administration has experienced a period of relative calm. The shifting routes chosen by thousands of people have provided some alleviation to the pressure on local resources in this archipelago.

In contrast, the Balearic Islands have faced a completely different reality. The region broke the national trend with a notable 27% rise in maritime arrivals. A total of 7,295 people reached these islands by sea this year.

The surge in arrivals placed immense pressure on the limited emergency housing available in the Balearic Islands. During the summer, dozens of small boats washed ashore, pushing local facilities to their breaking point.

The scarcity of proper accommodation led to improvised solutions. On certain days, local parks served as dormitories for exhausted men and women. These scenes highlighted the logistical challenges faced by the islands' emergency services.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure when facing sudden increases in migrant numbers. The lack of available shelter forced many to sleep outdoors, exposed to the elements.

As 2025 drew to a close, the city of Badalona became the center of a distressing incident. Authorities evicted foreigners who were living in poor conditions within an abandoned school. The city is governed by Xavier García Albiol, a prominent figure in the PP known for his hardline stance on migration.

The eviction resulted in scenes that contrasted sharply with the festive holiday season. Those displaced sought refuge outside a local church, hoping to spend the night there. However, their attempt at asylum was blocked by a group of local residents.

Neighbors gathered at the scene, shouting racist slogans. Their presence effectively prevented the migrants from finding shelter within the church grounds. The incident turned the church entrance into a site of confrontation rather than sanctuary.

The year 2025 has been defined by a significant statistical drop in migration to Spain, yet the reality on the ground remains complex. While the Administración canaria found respite, the Balearic Islands dealt with a sharp increase in arrivals that strained their emergency systems.

Furthermore, the events in Badalona illustrate the social friction that can accompany migration. The convergence of political policies, public sentiment, and the desperate search for safety creates a challenging landscape. As migration routes continue to evolve, the pressure on specific regions and the social dynamics within Spanish cities will likely remain fluid.