A New Chapter for Underage Asylum Seekers: The Canary Islands Begin Relocation Efforts

The long-awaited news has finally arrived: beginning Monday, August 11, the distribution of underage asylum seekers will commence. The central Government has confirmed the relocation of eight minors from the Canary Islands to the mainland, addressing a pressing concern that has long burdened the archipelago. For years, the Canary Islands have been overwhelmed by an influx of migrants seeking refuge, particularly from conflict-heavy regions in Africa, which has resulted in tragic losses along the perilous Atlantic Route. With approximately 1,000 underage migrant asylum seekers currently residing in the Canary Islands, the Government's initiative to begin weekly transfers—each carrying between 15 to 20 minors—is a step toward alleviating the saturation experienced in the region. This announcement comes after a Supreme Court ruling required the Government to provide immediate care for these vulnerable children. The recent decree approved by the Government includes plans to relocate a total of 3,000 migrant minors from the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla to the peninsula, beginning with the initial group of eight minors. The majority of these asylum seekers hail from Mali, a country suffering from ongoing warfare fueled by Islamist groups since 2012. As the conflict escalated, the humanitarian crisis deepened; reports indicate that over 149,000 people have been displaced, with many ending up in dire refugee camps often described as overcrowded and lacking basic necessities—particularly for children. In response to the dire situation, which has seen many minors fleeing unimaginable conditions, the Government has allocated an investment of 40 million euros to facilitate these relocations and create 1,200 reception places throughout Spain. This plan aims to meet the Supreme Court's directive by ensuring the minors are integrated into the National System of International Protection. Despite this progress, logistical challenges remain; authorities in the Canary Islands are yet to ascertain the identities of the first group of eight minors or confirm their final destinations. These developments highlight the increasing urgency surrounding the issue of unaccompanied minors in Spain. By March 2025, the Canary Islands had taken custody of over 5,800 unaccompanied minors, many of whom are waiting for legal status whilst facing systemic delays in the asylum process. The Director General of Child Protection in the Canary Islands expressed cautious optimism, noting that with concerted efforts from the central Government, there appears to be some light at the end of a long tunnel. However, the response from various autonomous communities has not been as supportive. Communities governed by the Popular Party (PP) have largely resisted calls to accommodate these minors, arguing against what they deem to be forced relocation plans without consultation or financial support. This division has escalated to legal action, with multiple complaints filed to prevent the distribution of minors as planned. Some regions, like Asturias, have stepped up and shown solidarity, offering to welcome the minors, while others remain unmoved. Moreover, as the humanitarian crisis evolves, discussions surrounding the migration of unaccompanied minors continue to intersect with rising anti-immigration sentiments, particularly from the PP and its leader. Their platform, increasingly influenced by far-right rhetoric, emphasizes a rejection of support for vulnerable populations seeking asylum. As the transfer of the first eight minors initiates today, it marks not only a pivotal moment for the pathway to refuge but also underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges associated with migration in Spain. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and proposed relocations poised to unfold in the coming weeks. While this initiative represents progress in addressing the needs of asylum-seeking minors, there is still much work to be done to ensure a sustainable and humane approach to the crisis that has long impacted the Canary Islands and beyond. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2