OECD report shows 1.8 % drop in new permanent migrants to Spain in 2024
Canary Islands press for larger share of €100 m fund for unaccompanied migrant minors
€20 ETIAS fee hike rings alarm bells for Gran Canaria tourism lobby
Latest News
Formentera taps treasury surplus to cover €3.2 m bill for migrant-minor care
Formentera has diverted €3.2 m of treasury surplus to pay outstanding bills for the care of unaccompanied migrant children. The move reflects mounting fiscal pressure on small island councils coping with maritime arrivals and signals potential future levies on residents and businesses.
EU ends multi-entry visas for Russians, adds extra checks at Spanish consulates
Brussels has abolished multi-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens, meaning Russians—including potential business travellers to Spain—must apply for a fresh permit every time they visit. Spanish consulates will introduce longer interviews, and companies are advised to allow more lead time for travel planning.
Midnight Rescue Brings 250 Migrants Ashore on El Hierro
Salvamento Marítimo and the Guardia Civil helped 250 migrants, including 32 minors, reach La Restinga on El Hierro before dawn on 6 November. The incident highlights continuing pressure on Spain’s Atlantic migration route and the logistical strain on Canary reception facilities. Business travellers may face sporadic port disruptions, and employers with island operations should track forthcoming asylum-processing reforms.
Tenerife South Becomes Spain’s First Airport to Activate EU Biometric Entry/Exit System
Tenerife South Airport activated the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System on 6 November, introducing facial-scan kiosks and electronic exit records for non-resident travellers. Early operations show moderate queues, and business-travel managers are urged to review Schengen-day tracking tools ahead of nationwide roll-out.
Spanish Delegate Backs Phased Roll-Out of EU Entry/Exit System at Andorra Border
Carlos Prieto, Spain’s delegate in Catalonia, confirmed that EES biometric border checks with Andorra will start pilot operations in February 2026 and be fully live in April, with exemptions for EU and Andorran residents. The phased roll-out aims to minimise disruption and dovetails with Andorra’s tighter documentation rules for seasonal workers.
Spanish Authorities Finalise 140 Transfer Files for Unaccompanied Minors from the Canaries to Mainland Regions
The Spanish Government’s Canary Islands Delegation has completed 140 case files authorising the relocation of unaccompanied migrant minors to mainland Spain under Royal Decree 658/2025. The move eases pressure on island shelters and channels €110 million in support funds to host regions. Employers should watch for parallel rule-changes that automatically grant work rights to former minors in training programmes.
Cantabria Files Court Challenge Against Orders to Receive Two Migrant Minors from the Canaries
Cantabria’s regional cabinet has authorised a court appeal against two national-government orders instructing the region to take in additional unaccompanied migrant minors from the Canary Islands. The challenge could shape how Royal Decree 658/2025 is applied and may influence the pace of nationwide redistribution plans.