Spanish holiday hotspot becoming a ‘magnet for migrants’ | World | News

The Balearic Government is vowing to crackdown on benefits being offered to asylum seekers as the Spanish holiday hotspot is becoming a “magnet for migrants”. Some of Majorca’s most popular resorts have seen small boat arrivals skyrocket by 77% this year compared to 2024.

Meanwhile, illegal migrant arrivals to the Balearic Islands soared by  84% between January 1 and September 30, compared with the same period last year. Data from the Interior Ministry also found that 27,476 migrants arrived in Spain by sea and land so far this year. The government will now amend the system of support for looked-after children and recipients of guaranteed social income to try and curb the influx of migrants, according to the President of the Government, Marga Prohens.

She added that the guaranteed social income will be modified to extend the required legal residence from one to three years and, except in justified cases, link it to employment integration programmes in order to maintain this benefit.

President Prohens also announced changes to the emancipation allowance to require a minimum of three years of care in the islands.

“We cannot in any way contribute to a “pull factor” along a migratory route that is growing exponentially,” said the President.

She stated that the Government cannot provide a benefit “to those who arrive at an age at which they cannot even be enrolled in school,” and that after a year or a few months, “simply by having been in care,” they would be entitled to the emancipation allowance, which is intended “for individuals who have already spent years within the system.”

Issuing a stark warning Prohens stated that the Government will not allow people to arrive solely to “abuse our public benefits and support” as a means of living.

On the flip side she defended migrants who “contribute and make a positive impact” to the hotspot.

Officials said in August that over 30 boats carrying about 600 irregular migrants arrived at the Balearics in just a three-day period. 

In the first six months of the year, the number of boats, most of which came from Algeria, more than doubled. 

Presidents Prohens has previously called for increased law enforcement resources and cooperation with Algeria.