Migrant arrivals in Ibiza and Formentera have surged this year, surpassing 2,000 people landing in pateras by mid-September. The rapid pace has alarmed authorities, local officials, and humanitarian groups.

Surge Over Weekend

Between Friday and Saturday, the Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service and Salvamento Marítimo rescued 78 migrants in four separate pateras off Formentera. The rescues included 23 subsaharan migrants at 24 miles southeast of Formentera on Friday afternoon. Later that same day, 16 maghrebi migrants were rescued at 60 miles southeast. Early Saturday, 21 maghrebi migrants were intercepted at Playa La Fragata. Also on Saturday morning, 18 subsaharan migrants were found on the Camí del Monestir. On Sunday, two additional pateras brought 19 and 13 maghrebi migrants respectively.

These arrivals pushed the total migrant arrivals in Ibiza and Formentera to 2,074 people by 14 September.

Year-to-Date Trends And Comparisons

So far in 2025, 282 pateras have landed irregularly in the Balearic Islands, carrying 5,245 migrants. Most of this influx has been directed towards the Pitiusas, especially Formentera.

By comparison, in 2024 the archipelago saw 5,882 migrants arrive irregularly by sea. The current pace suggests that 2025 will exceed last year’s total.

Challenges On The Ground

Formentera faces particular challenges due to its limited infrastructure and resources. Local officials report insufficient shelter, stretched medical services, and delays in delivering humanitarian assistance. The president of the Consell of Formentera has urged the central government to act immediately, highlighting the rising number of unaccompanied minors under local care.

Authorities also note that calmer seas during summer months make patera crossings more feasible for smugglers and migrants.

What Comes Next

Strengthening coordination between local, regional, and national agencies remains urgent. Expanding reception centre capacity, especially in Formentera, is also critical. Humanitarian organisations call for more resources for first aid, health services, shelter, and the monitoring of unaccompanied minors.

If the current pace continues, migrant arrivals in Ibiza and Formentera will likely break 2024 records, intensifying political and humanitarian debates at both local and national levels.