Irregular migrant arrivals to Spain have surged by 34% this year despite a dramatic downward trend across the rest of the EU.

According to official figures from EU border agency Frontex, some 15,900 irregular border crossings were detected between January and August 2026 on the Western Mediterranean route, which includes the Strait of Gibraltar.

That compares with an overall 35% fall in irregular crossings at the EU’s external borders over the same period.

Around 75,000 detections were recorded across the bloc in total, making the Western Mediterranean the major exception to a widespread decline in irregular migration.

Ceuta crisis not included

Crucially, the figures do not include the 70,000-plus people who crossed into Ceuta at the end of July.

Frontex said it was unlikely that a definitive figure could be established for those crossings because most of the people who entered the Spanish enclave returned to Morocco without being registered.

They therefore do not appear in the agency’s statistics.

Algeria becomes main departure point

Meanwhile, Algeria has consolidated its position as the main country of departure for irregular migrants attempting to reach mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands.

July saw the highest monthly level of migratory pressure on the route for three years.

Frontex linked the increase partly to a shift in people-smuggling activity following strengthened controls in Morocco and on neighbouring migration routes.

Crossings tumble elsewhere

Elsewhere, the Canary Islands route recorded a 58% fall, with around 5,100 detections between January and August.

Crossings through the Central Mediterranean fell 55% to around 19,400, while the Eastern Mediterranean recorded approximately 24,200, representing a decrease of 25%.

Attempts to cross the English Channel also fell sharply, dropping 43% to around 26,600 detections.