Spain’s El Hierro grapples with rising migrant arrivals

Nearly 3,000 migrants have reached El Hierro since the beginning in October, putting pressure on services on the small Canary Island, Home to approximately 11,000 people. Island President Alpidio Armas said authorities follow established protocols and treat arrivals with empathy and closeness, adding that migrants are seeking a better life. Armas said that from the moment the rescue boats pick people up at sea or x miles from the port of Lanzarote until 97% of the inhabitants of El Hierro do not see the migrants. And everything is carried out strictly in accordance with protocol. Furthermore, I must say that we adopt an attitude of empathy. and closeness toward the people who arrive here as they come in search of a better life. It must also be acknowledged that from an economic point of view, This issue brings a substantial amount of money to the island of El Hierro. Healthcare services are also under greater pressure. Hospital director Luis González of El Hierro said the hospital treated 91 migrant patients in October 2026 compared with 5 in October 2025. Around 23 migrants were hospitalized this October. up from two a the healthcare situation a year earlier has been more challenging in the past This year we have treated 91. We admitted two migrant patients. hospital In October February 2025 This year we have already had a ro and 23 patients hospitalized in our department. In other words ds with Yes. I In this respect, it is true that the pressure The demand for healthcare services has increased. Migration is a major issue in Spain's political debate ahead in the general election of November 29.