Twice as Many Algerians as Moroccans Arrive Illegally in Spain

Between January and April 2026, 5,647 migrants reached Spain irregularly via the Western Mediterranean, a 66% increase in one year, according to the IOM report.

Algerian nationals account for 42% of these arrivals, almost twice as many as Moroccans, whose share stands at 22%. Together, the two nationalities represent nearly two-thirds of the people recorded on this route.

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Of the 5,647 arrivals, 3,483 took place by sea to the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands, an increase of 22%. Land crossings to Sebta and Melilla, meanwhile, quadrupled to reach 2,164 people.

The Algerian route takes the lead

The IOM observes that departures historically used the Moroccan coast. The trend reversed in 2025 and is being confirmed in 2026. Algerians mainly head to the Balearic Islands, Almería, Murcia and Alicante, while Moroccans make greater use of the crossings at Sebta and Melilla.

At the same time, arrivals via the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands fell by 78%, to 2,276 people. This development follows several years of Moroccan efforts to strengthen controls on departures to the archipelago.

The Algerian naval forces intercepted 1,002 people attempting to depart during the first four months of the year, 37% fewer than in 2025. The IOM did not have comparable data on Moroccan interceptions.

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This new distribution does not make the crossing any less dangerous. The IOM recorded 150 deaths or disappearances on this route between January and April, mainly from drowning.