Madrid declares a migration emergency for Mallorca and the neighboring islands

Emergency until the end of the year: Madrid provides seven million euros

On Tuesday evening, the Spanish government decided on an exceptional rule for the Balearics: For Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza a migration emergency now applies, limited until December 31. The aim is to improve the initial care of people arriving in boats from North Africa. About seven million euros are provided for the implementation.

Why now?

The official justification: The number of arrivals has risen significantly this year. By September 15, authorities, according to internal evaluations, registered more than 5,400 arrivals on the Balearics — almost three-quarters more than last year. Notably: the number of motorboats from Algeria has increased significantly.

What exactly is planned: In the harbors of Palma, Ciutadella and Eivissa there will be provisional care facilities, plus mobile health and advisory services, interpreters and the possibility to use hotel capacities in exceptional cases. The responsible ministry announced that the measures can be extended if necessary.

City and region respond differently

In Palma, late in the afternoon one saw volunteers sorting blankets and packing first-aid kits. The volunteer, who asked to be known as Anna, said: It's a lot of work, but we help where we can. On the municipal level some mayors are calling for better coordination, others warn of ongoing pressure on local services.

Interestingly: In the Canary Islands the numbers go in the other direction. There, during this period significantly fewer arrivals were recorded, while nationwide the number of unregulated entries overall is decreasing. Only in the enclaves Ceuta and Melilla the influx also rises.

What does this mean for the islands?

In the short term the additional funds should primarily secure humane care: medical initial care, registration and translated information. In the mid term the question remains how integration, housing and legal procedures should be organized. On the streets of Palma in the evenings you hear more often discussions about the situation — some are concerned, others try to organize practical help.

Conclusion: The emergency is a reaction to a noticeable trend this year. Whether the temporary measures are sufficient will be seen in the coming months — not only in ministries but also at the docks and in the accommodations here on the ground.