Canary Islands receive over 500 irregular migrants from North Africa in 24 hours

All irregular migrant arrivals, confirmed to be from countries in Sahel region, taken to social housing facilities in region, reports local media

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) — A total of 514 irregular migrants arrived in Spain's Canary Islands in a 24-hour span on Sunday, sailing from North Africa on five boats, local media reported.

Two of the boats arrived on Saturday with 106 migrants on board, while the remaining 408 came early on Sunday on the other three vessels, Spanish news agency EFE reported, citing Coast Guard sources.

The migrants, including women and children, were reportedly in good health when they arrived on the islands of El Hierro, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.

All the migrants, confirmed to be from countries in the Sahel region in Africa, were taken to social housing facilities in the region.

This month an 80% year-on-year spike in the number of irregular migrants arriving on the Canary Islands from North Africa, despite a slight decline in January-July on the route.

More than 3,000 irregular migrants arrived in August in the Canary Islands from North Africa, the most-frequently used migration route to Spain.

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