Spanish Intelligence Warns of Potential Surge in Algerian Migration Amid Diplomatic Tensions

According to the Spanish intelligence service, the breakdown of relations between Algeria and Spain would be the origin of this announced invasion of Algerian migrants. The center fears the arrival of more than 10,000 migrants in Formentera, Ibiza, Murcia and Almeria, reports Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera. Even though, unlike Morocco, Algeria has never exerted migratory pressure on Spain, the Spanish intelligence services believe that the situation is changing, particularly due to Pedro Sanchez’s turnaround on the Sahara issue.

This massive influx of Algerian migrants to the islands is causing particular concern, because it would occur in the middle of the tourist season and the surveillance and migration flow management devices are not sufficiently reinforced on the islands. "Ibiza and Formentera are neither secure nor socially prepared for the expected flood of migrants," the same sources said.

To read: Algeria Blocks Spanish Meat Imports Amid Ongoing Western Sahara Dispute

Since March 19, Algeria has suspended the repatriation of migrants, after recalling its ambassador to Madrid for consultations the day after Spain’s change of position on the Sahara. According to government sources, 73% of the migrants arriving on the Balearic Islands and the peninsula in the first half of 2021 came from Algeria. Last week, six boats carrying 113 migrants, mostly Algerians, reached the Balearic Islands.

This year, 23 boats have already reached the Balearic Islands and 303 migrants have been intercepted. In 2021, 161 small boats with 2,343 migrants on board were detected in the Balearic Islands coming from Algeria. The year before, 1,464 arrived on the islands on 112 boats.