Report: Mauritania Becomes Main Departure Point for Spain-Bound Migrants in 2024

Doha – Spain’s annual Security Report shows Mauritania has become the main launch point for irregular migrants heading to Spanish shores in 2024. The North African country recorded over 25,000 departures, exceeding the combined total from Morocco and Algeria.

According to the 2024 National Security Report published by Spain’s Department of National Security, Mauritania accounted for 25,081 migrants who arrived in Spain. This number surpasses the combined figures from Morocco (13,217) and Algeria (12,038).

The document identifies 2024 as a record year for maritime arrivals to Spain, with 61,372 migrants entering Spanish territory irregularly by sea. This marks a 10.3% rise from 2023 and tops the previous record established in 2018.

Role of geopolitical pressure

The report points directly to regional instability as a driving factor. “The instability in the Sahel impacts especially in the case of Mauritania, which borders Mali and where the Russian presence is pronounced,” it states. This geopolitical pressure has made Mauritania a critical migration hub.

Similarly, the report mentions that “routes through Niger have regained their importance and Agadez has resumed its former role as a migration hub,” keeping the Algerian route active despite increased controls elsewhere.

Notably, the Canary Islands witnessed a 17.4% increase in arrivals, totaling 46,843 migrants. The Balearic Islands experienced an even more dramatic surge of 158.3%, with 5,882 arrivals. Both statistics establish new historical records.

The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands gained popularity with an 18% growth in arrivals, while the Western Mediterranean route declined by 6%. Spanish authorities link this shift to “partial closure of departures” on the Central Mediterranean route through Libya and Tunisia.

Changing profile of arriving migrants

Mali has emerged as the primary country of origin among irregular migrants landing in Spain. The number of Malian migrants grew by 543% between 2023 and 2024, climbing from fifth place to first. The report attributes this to Mali’s structural economic decline and mounting instability.

The profile of migrants arriving in Spain has changed noticeably. Once dominated by North Africans, particularly Moroccans, now 72% of arrivals come from sub-Saharan countries, up from 62% in 2023. The report specifically counts 15,261 Malians, 11,824 Senegalese, 9,552 Algerians, and 6,945 Moroccans.

The report also notes growing numbers of asylum seekers among irregular migrants from the Sahel region. This pattern, coupled with extended stays, has caused saturation of both the international protection and humanitarian care systems.

Spanish authorities warn that migration pressure could intensify in the future, citing resource scarcity in origin countries and “deliberate efforts by agents hostile to the EU” to weaponize migration.

Meanwhile, Morocco halted 78,685 irregular migration attempts in 2024, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior. Most intercepted individuals (58%) originated from West Africa, while 12% came from Maghreb countries and 9% from East and Central Africa.

Moroccan authorities dismantled 332 human trafficking networks during the year. They also handled 14 attempts to breach the borders of Ceuta and Melilla involving more than 4,290 migrants. At sea, 18,645 migrants were rescued by Moroccan forces.

The Ministry stated that 6,135 migrants returned voluntarily to their home countries through coordination with their respective embassies, aligned with Morocco’s National Immigration and Asylum Strategy.