Canary Islands seek support as migrant arrivals rise

Immigration · First reported 6 Nov, 12:28 · Updated 21:16

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

El Hierro authorities have declared an emergency amid a sharp rise in arrivals and are seeking help with accommodation and strained local services. Regional leader Fernando Clavijo says Spain and Europe should coordinate a response; Spain’s prime minister has agreed to convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

El Hierro declared an emergency and requested help from Spain’s central government after increased boat arrivals.
Local authorities reported more than 3,300 arrivals on El Hierro in about 30 boats since November began; the island has about 11,400 residents.
The regional government said 4,587 migrants arrived across the Canary Islands on 49 boats from 1 to 6 November, with 35 boats reaching El Hierro.
Authorities are seeking temporary accommodation, and El Hierro’s governing council head said conditions at the island’s hospital had become undesirable.
Clavijo said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez agreed to convene an emergency immigration commission meeting on Tuesday; Clavijo also requested meetings with European Commission leaders.

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Key facts

El Hierro arrivals: More than 3,300 people on about 30 boats since the start of November.
Island population: About 11,400 residents.
Canary Islands arrivals, 1–6 November: 4,587 people on 49 boats, according to the regional government.
Boats reaching El Hierro: 35 of the 49 boats reported for 1–6 November.
Planned meeting: Emergency Interministerial Commission on Immigration meeting scheduled for Tuesday, according to Clavijo.