
A steep rise in the number of arrivals of migrants in Spain's Canary Islands from Africa has ignited a fierce debate within the country on how to address illegal immigration.
The issue was brought into sharp focus during a three-day visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to West Africa, which concluded on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

During his tour, which included stops in Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal, Sanchez emphasized Spain's commitment to "safe, orderly, and regular migration."
He advocated for "circular migration" schemes that would allow individuals to enter Spain legally for temporary work in sectors like agriculture, which face labor shortages during harvest times, before returning to their home countries. Sanchez stated, "Immigration is not a problem, it is a necessity that comes with certain problems."

However, these comments were met with criticism from Spain's main opposition party, the Popular Party (PP). They argued that such statements could encourage more migrants to attempt illegal entry into Spain, particularly at a time when the Canary Islands are struggling to manage the influx.
As of now, over 22,000 migrants have landed in the Canary Islands this year, compared to just under 10,000 during the same period last year. The archipelago received a record 39,910 migrants in 2023, a figure it is on track to surpass this year.
PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo labeled Sanchez's approach as "irresponsible," accusing him of promoting Spain as a destination for migrants, contrary to the actions of other European Union nations.
During the final leg of his tour in Dakar, Senegal, Sanchez adopted a tougher stance, highlighting the links between human trafficking rings organizing boat crossings to Spain and terrorist networks or drug smuggling gangs.
He stressed that security was a "top priority" and underlined the importance of deporting those who enter Spain illegally, although he acknowledged that deportations require agreements with the migrants' countries of origin, which can be challenging to secure.
Cristina Monge, a political scientist at the University of Zaragoza, noted that Sanchez's comments appeared "a bit contradictory." His initial speech in Mauritania reflected a "European, human rights perspective," but his later emphasis on deportations seemed to cater to right-wing sentiments, potentially alienating left-wing supporters.
This dichotomy was evident as the PP welcomed Sanchez's focus on security, while the hard-left party Sumar, junior coalition partners in his minority government, opposed it. Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, founder of Sumar, criticized the approach, stating, "Following the same migration recipes called for by the right is a failure and a mistake."
With the number of crossing attempts expected to increase as Atlantic waters become calmer, the controversy surrounding Spain's migration policy is likely to intensify.
The Spanish government estimates that around 200,000 people in Mauritania are waiting to travel to the Canary Islands, many of whom are from Mali, where a military regime is combating an Islamist insurgency.
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