Sharp increase in small boats migration from Algeria
The Balearic Islands are facing a dramatic rise in irregular migration from Algeria, with figures showing a 77% increase compared to last year, according to a report by Atalayar published on 22nd August.
During the first half of 2025, irregular entries to the islands rose by 170%, and numbers continue to grow.
Most of the boats heading for the Balearics depart from Algeria, prompting the regional president, Marga Prohens, to appeal for urgent intervention from both the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and the European Union. Prohens urged the deployment of Frontex, the EU’s border agency, to help manage the situation.
On Wednesday, she took to X to question the Spanish government’s response, posting: “Where is the government of (Pedro) Sánchez?” She has demanded stronger policing and more cooperation with Algeria to control the flow of arrivals.
Not all of those reaching the islands are Algerian nationals; many originate from East Africa and other parts of the continent. Migrants reportedly pay around $2,000 for the crossing, which takes roughly two days. The journey is highly dangerous, with overcrowded vessels battling waves, insufficient supplies of food and water and frequent navigational problems.
The Balearics have now become one of the key destinations for irregular small boat arrivals from Algeria. Prohens described the route as the fastest growing in Europe, with over 4,700 people arriving so far in 2025.
Ibiza and Formentera are particularly strained, as local reception systems are stretched beyond capacity. With no functioning shelters, migrants are often instructed by authorities to wait for hours in public parks prior to boarding ferries to the mainland, according to the outlet. Although Madrid promised last month to reinforce facilities, reception centres are yet to have a confirmed opening date.
Prohens has reiterated that her appeal to deploy Frontex is in line with assessments already issued by the agency itself, which has flagged the rising number of boats arriving via this route. She also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation with Algerian authorities to prevent a humanitarian emergency.
In just the past 20 days, 1,500 people have reached the archipelago, making it Spain’s main hotspot for irregular migration. Meanwhile, arrivals in the Canary Islands and on the mainland have fallen. A meeting with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs is scheduled for late September to discuss the escalating crisis.
Atalayar, Majorca Daily Bulletin, Maghrebi
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