The coasts of the Pitiusas islands have again witnessed a constant migratory flow this week, adding a new episode this Friday with the arrival of a skiff that has stood out for the origin of its occupants. On this occasion, the Government Delegation has informed of the interception in Formentera of 12 immigrants, two of North African origin and 10 preliminarily identified as of Asian origin, although the exact country of origin has not yet been specified.
New boats, new challenges
The phenomenon of pateras in the Pitiusas is not new, but the diversity of nationalities among the new arrivals adds a new challenge to migration management. As of Friday afternoon, a total of 25 people had arrived on the islands in the last few hours, adding to the 83 intercepted between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the total number to 246 immigrants in just two days. So far this year, the archipelago has registered the arrival of at least 5,304 people aboard 319 small boats, a figure that almost doubles last year’s data, when 128 boats and 2,278 immigrants were counted. This increase not only implies a logistical and humanitarian challenge, but also a reminder of the hardening of migratory routes in the central Mediterranean.
Interceptions in Formentera and Ibiza
Among the most recent rescues, several interventions of the Guardia Civil and Salvamento Marítimo stand out. One of the most significant operations occurred in the vicinity of Es Migjorn beach, where 15 people were intercepted at 9 am. Later, at 10:00 a.m., another 10 immigrants were rescued in Sant Francesc, both in Formentera. Early Friday morning also brought the discovery of eight people near a gas station in Sant Jordi, Ibiza, and a sea rescue of 17 individuals eight miles south of Formentera.
A complex migratory context
The arrival of people from Asia marks an exception to the predominant trend of Maghrebi immigrants, who tend to use the Algerian route to the islands. This change could be indicative of an adjustment in migratory flows, possibly due to the search for alternative routes.
