Till lately, migrants arriving in Mallorca and the Balearics have been all Algerian. Whereas getting on for 90% proceed to be Algerian, an growing quantity are from nations corresponding to Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. That is attributed to varied components, such because the rise of Islamism and inter-ethnic conflicts.
To this point this 12 months, 68 boats with 943 migrants have arrived within the Balearics. In 2019, there have been 41 boats and 507 folks. Victòria Avellà, of Creu Roja Balears (the Crimson Cross) recognises that there’s a rising quantity every year. It has three reception locations for migrants, Avellà explaining that regardless of the big variety of arrivals, there isn’t a overcrowding. Though it’s the case that migrants are overwhelmingly Algerian males travelling alone, she says that there was a rise within the variety of ladies with youngsters.
After migrants are intercepted by the Guardia Civil and the Maritime Security Company, it’s the Crimson Cross who perform well being checks. In precept, migrants are held in custody for a most of 72 hours by the Nationwide Police earlier than repatriation procedures are initiated.
Avellà makes clear that the involvement of the Crimson Cross is only humanitarian. Are some migrants real asylum seekers? “Though that is one thing we think about, it’s not our job; it is as much as the Nationwide Police.” On this regard, nevertheless, the Crimson Cross does assess the diploma of vulnerability of every immigrant. Data from questionnaires is handed to the police.
Nearly all of migrants arrive and not using a change of garments, documentation or cash. The Crimson Cross assists, subsequently, in offering primary requirements.
