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This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by EFE.

The migratory flows to Europe decreased in 2024 except on the Canary Route

by AI | 15.Jan 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The annual report of Frontex shows that the Canary Islands received almost 47,000 people in 2024, 18% more than the previous year and the highest number since the European border agency began collecting data in 2009.

File image of a minor rescued by Salvamar Al Nair among a group of migrants in an inflatable boat heading to Lanzarote. EFE/ Adriel Perdomo

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Krakow (Poland) – Migratory flows to Europe fell by 38% in 2024, the lowest level since 2021, according to the report by the European border agency (Frontex), which, however, highlights the notable increase in arrivals in the Canary Islands.

The annual Frontex report shows that the Canary Islands received almost 47,000 people in 2024, 18% more than the previous year and the highest figure since the European border agency began collecting data in 2009.

According to the report, the increase in this number of arrivals has been driven by departures from Mauritania, despite the reduction of arrivals from other countries, and contrasts with the reduction experienced in other migratory flows which, in general, have fallen by 38 percent, the lowest level since 2021.

The decline in the total number of irregular migrants was mainly due to a 59% drop in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya and a 78% reduction in the Western Balkan route following great efforts by the countries in the region to curb the flow.

Despite the significant decrease in the first route, it still represents about 67,000 crossings, the second highest of all routes, Frontex noted.

Meanwhile, via the Western Mediterranean route, 17,026 irregular immigrants arrived in Europe throughout the year, 1% more.
The report states that although the figures for irregular migration in 2024 show progress, the challenges in this regard continue.
Thus, illegal trafficking networks adapt to new circumstances and migratory flows can change quickly, it warns.

Additionally, authorities reported an increase in violence by traffickers along the Western Balkan route, while growing instability in regions like the Sahel continues to drive migration to Europe. (January 14)

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