The number of migrants entering Spain by sea in 2017 tripled because of Moroccans and Algerians arrival

The arrival of Moroccans and Algerians has tripled the number of migrants crossing the sea to enter Spain in 2017, AFP reports quoting the Spanish Commission for Refugees. «21,500 people arrived by sea on Spain’s southern shores between January 1 and December 20» compared to 6,046 in 2016, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants.

The number of migrants arriving to Spain this year has been significantly increased becuase of people coming from Morocco and Algeria.

According to the same source, most of these migrants got into Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Gibraltar and Peninsular Spain in Europe from Morocco. Speaking to AFP, Carlos Arce of the Human Rights Association of Andalusia (APDHA) indicated that the «social unrest in northern Morocco's Rif region is behind the rise in arrivals from that country».

He blamed the authorities for that stating that they have «more focused on repression than in controlling the flow of migrants». On the other hand, the United Nations Agency (UNHCR) reported in a report issued last in November that migrants arriving from Morocco has increased starting from June adding that «Moroccans use all sorts of methods to reach Spain such as jet-skis, surfboards, inflatable dinghies and wooden boats which sometimes transport over 60 people».

With the help of smugglers these migrants cross the sea using «inflatable dinghies» and sometimes jet-skis said the French news agency which reported that 223 people died in 2017 trying to enter Spain. A number that remains high compared to the one recorded last year (95).