Spain

Spain has emerged as a key destination for mixed migration flows along the Western Mediterranean route and, increasingly, the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, with Andalusia and the archipelago serving as primary reception zones. As of early 2026, Spain hosts approximately 320,000 refugees and beneficiaries of international protection, while its asylum system has registered double-digit year-on-year growth in first-time applications.

The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration sets national policy, and the Asylum and Refugee Office (OAR) processes first-instance claims, yet regional governments (comunidades autónomas) play a decisive role in implementing reception and integration programmes. The majority of recent arrivals originate from Morocco, Algeria, and a diverse spectrum of West African countries including Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, many of whom transit through Mauritania before attempting the perilous ocean crossing.

Spain's reception system, coordinated through the ESTRELLA network, has expanded significantly but still faces periodic strain during summer months when maritime detections peak. Labour-market integration for recognised refugees has improved in agricultural and hospitality sectors, particularly in Murcia, Almería, and the Balearic Islands, though access to stable housing in Madrid and Barcelona remains extremely competitive. Language acquisition is prioritised through publicly funded Spanish courses, yet waiting lists and regional disparities in course availability delay labour-market entry.