Spanish police Monday said it has rounded up 26 people organized in a network which has been trafficking immigrants to the European country, mainly from Algeria. Spain is a key transit point and gateway for immigrants mainly from Africa willing to join Europe. Over 26,000 people arrived in Spain last year, compared to 57,498 arrivals the previous year, according to official figures. Since the start of the year, illegal migrants’ arrivals in the Canary Islands have exploded. In percentages, and for the month of January 2020 alone, out of ten illegal migrants arriving in Spain, four opted for the Canary Islands, or 38.2% of the total.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 04, 2020 13:07 UTC