Surge in Migrant Arrivals to Canary Islands Fueled by Lower Smuggling Costs from Morocco

In 2023, the Canary Islands experienced a significant increase in migrant arrivals from Morocco, largely due to lower smuggling costs compared to routes leading to mainland Spain, according to a recent analysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), an independent organization.

Marrakech – In 2023, the Canary Islands experienced a significant increase in migrant arrivals from Morocco, largely due to lower smuggling costs compared to routes leading to mainland Spain, according to a recent analysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), an independent organization.

Spanish media outlets have also reported on this surge, attributing it to the cheaper smuggling fees for the Canary Islands route.

While migrants attempting to reach mainland Spain from northern Morocco can pay up to €4,000 per crossing, those opting for the Canary Islands route typically pay around €2,500.

GI-TOC’s study, which included field research and analysis of official data, found that while Moroccan authorities have tightened security measures and cracked down on human trafficking networks in the country’s north, the Canary Islands route has become more attractive to migrants from other African countries.

According to data from the European Union’s Border Agency (Frontex), Moroccan arrivals to mainland Spain via the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea increased from 4,307 in 2022 to 7,910 in 2023.

However, Moroccan arrivals to the Canary Islands decreased, with only 5,817 Moroccans reaching the archipelago in 2023 compared to 6,411 in 2022.

The report suggests that the higher prices for the northern route are due to stricter security measures and the perception that it offers a safer and more successful journey to Europe.

Consequently, Moroccans prefer this route, while sub-Saharan migrants, faced with higher costs and increased security in the north, are forced to risk the Canary Islands route.

Smuggling fees for the Canary Islands route from southern Morocco ranged from €1,500 to €3,500 in 2023, with prices varying based on factors such as departure points, vessel types, and lower fees for women and children.

The GI-TOC also noted a slight increase in migrant arrivals from neighboring Algeria, as well as a trend of Moroccans attempting to reach Spain from Algerian coasts using speedboats, paying around €6,000 per crossing compared to €9,000-10,000 in Morocco.