The figures presented do not include the arrival of migrants in Ceuta between July 30 and 31, which the Spanish government reports numbered 72,000 people.

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) reported that, in the first eight months of the year, it recorded approximately 75,000 instances of irregular entries into the European Union. The same source notes a decrease on “virtually all major migration routes,” except in the Western Mediterranean, which includes southern Spain.

Although the report does not include irregular entries into Ceuta, Frontex notes that this region saw a 34% increase in irregular migrant arrivals.

On this route, “Algeria was the main point of departure, with the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain being the main destinations,” Frontex states.

“Pressure increased significantly in July, when the route reached its highest monthly figure in the last three years, before declining again in August,” the agency emphasises, adding that the rise in irregular entries in this region indicates a “shift in the routes used by smugglers,” according to the Frontex statement.

“Strengthened controls in Morocco and on neighbouring routes in West Africa and the Central Mediterranean have led to more departures being directed toward the Algerian coast,” explains Frontex.