Spain’s Ministry of the Interior has released its latest dashboard on irregular migration, showing 34,251 undocumented arrivals by land and sea between 1 January and 30 November 2025. The figure is 29.9 % lower than the 56,976 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2024, confirming a sharp slowdown after the record pressures of the previous two years. Interior officials attribute the decline to stepped-up maritime patrols by Spain’s Guardia Civil, joint operations with Frontex off the West African coast and bilateral return arrangements with Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.
The Canary Islands remain the main pressure point, receiving 19,017 migrants (-37.4 % year-on-year). However, the Balearic Islands are emerging as a new hotspot: 1,907 people have arrived there this year, 28.3 % more than in 2024. Analysts link the surge to shorter “hop” routes from Algeria that try to bypass Canary patrol zones. Mainland Andalucía saw 8,244 arrivals (-31.2 %), while Ceuta and Melilla registered fewer than 2,000 combined after Morocco reinforced fencing and anti-smuggling units.
![Spain Reports 34,251 Irregular Migrant Arrivals So Far in 2025, 29.9 % Fewer Than in 2024]()
From a corporate-mobility standpoint, the data suggest that the likelihood of large-scale migrant surges disrupting commercial ports or airports during the upcoming Christmas peak has eased. Nevertheless, companies relocating staff to the Balearics should update contingency plans as reception facilities there are close to capacity. Employers bringing in non-EU talent can expect continued political scrutiny of immigration channels as the government highlights the drop to counter opposition calls for tighter border controls.
Legal advisers also note that the delayed Foreigners’ Regulation—due to enter into force on 20 May 2025 and expected to streamline work-permit routes—may face fewer populist headwinds now that irregular inflows are down. Businesses are encouraged to track the regulation’s final wording and prepare HR workflows accordingly.
HR takeaway: while overall pressure is easing, the geographic shift toward the Balearics underscores the need for location-specific risk mapping for expatriate moves and business travel.
The Canary Islands remain the main pressure point, receiving 19,017 migrants (-37.4 % year-on-year). However, the Balearic Islands are emerging as a new hotspot: 1,907 people have arrived there this year, 28.3 % more than in 2024. Analysts link the surge to shorter “hop” routes from Algeria that try to bypass Canary patrol zones. Mainland Andalucía saw 8,244 arrivals (-31.2 %), while Ceuta and Melilla registered fewer than 2,000 combined after Morocco reinforced fencing and anti-smuggling units.
From a corporate-mobility standpoint, the data suggest that the likelihood of large-scale migrant surges disrupting commercial ports or airports during the upcoming Christmas peak has eased. Nevertheless, companies relocating staff to the Balearics should update contingency plans as reception facilities there are close to capacity. Employers bringing in non-EU talent can expect continued political scrutiny of immigration channels as the government highlights the drop to counter opposition calls for tighter border controls.
Legal advisers also note that the delayed Foreigners’ Regulation—due to enter into force on 20 May 2025 and expected to streamline work-permit routes—may face fewer populist headwinds now that irregular inflows are down. Businesses are encouraged to track the regulation’s final wording and prepare HR workflows accordingly.
HR takeaway: while overall pressure is easing, the geographic shift toward the Balearics underscores the need for location-specific risk mapping for expatriate moves and business travel.
