Immigration in Spain: migratory routes, cooperation with third countries and human rights in return procedures

Abstract

The present chapter first analyses the main routes of irregular immigration into Spain, with recent data on arrivals. While the sea has traditionally been the main route of entry to Spanish territory, the years 2013 to 2015 proved an exception, with immigration by land outstripping that by sea due to an increase in the arrival of Syrian immigrants to Ceuta and Melilla. Next, a description is given of the mechanisms established to control Spain’s maritime borders. Such control is achieved through unilateral surveillance (SIVE), bilateral cooperation (inter-state agreements) and regional cooperation within the EU. Then a discussion follows of how immigration routes have been affected by increased cooperation with African states, and an analysis of Spain’s use of summary returns. Lastly, we argue that the reinforcement of border control alone is insufficient: to be effective, it must be accompanied by common policies in the European countries and increased investment in the countries of origin.