In 2025, Spain received 36,775 migrants irregularly, which represents a decrease of 42.6% compared to 2024, due to a 62% drop in the Canary Islands. However, the Balearic Islands saw an increase of 24.5% in the number of people arriving compared to the previous year. According to the Ministry of the Interior’s report on irregular immigration for 2025, the arrival of 36,775 irregular migrants was recorded, compared to 64,019 in 2024. The majority of irregular arrivals (32,925) were made by sea, using 1,235 small vessels, compared to the 1,810 vessels that arrived in 2024. Irregular arrivals account for 6% of the total entries of foreigners into the country, and many of the individuals arriving this way are asylum seekers fleeing conflicts, persecution, violence, or human rights violations in their countries of origin. According to the report by the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR), between 70 and 80% of individuals who arrived in the country by cayuco or patera in 2024 applied for asylum in Spain.
