A hotel in the small holiday town of El Morche, Torrox-Costa, located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, has reopened its doors this week to house 230 migrants who recently made the journey to the Canary Islands in small boats. The four-star hotel had previously hosted 385 men who arrived in October 2023 and departed in mid-December.

According to the Spanish newspaper SUR, the 230 migrants traveled to the Torrox hotel via bus from Madrid after being flown in from the Canary Islands on charter flights arranged by the Spanish government. The distribution and transfer of migrants to the mainland is part of standard reception procedures.

Last year, the hotel, which is normally closed during the winter, remained open until December 31, to serve as a reception center in response to the high number of migrant arrivals from the Canary Islands.

Also read: Spain: Migration routes became busier in 2023

Deadliest year on record

Despite a significant decrease in the number of individuals attempting the crossing during the winter months, 2023 saw the largest number of arrivals in Spain in recent history. Over 31,000 people arrived in small boats at the archipelago during this period, surpassing the previous peak recorded in 2005 and 2006. Many are fleeing political or economic instability in their home countries, with increased unrest and hardship in countries like Senegal.

Last year, there were also 6,618 recorded deaths of those who had attempted to make the dangerous crossing along the Atlantic Route from the coast of Northern Africa to the Canary Islands. According to Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras, these figures made 2023 the deadliest year for deaths at sea since 2007, when it began documenting migrant deaths en route to Spain.

In response to this surge, Spain's central government implemented a special care plan, involving relocations to the mainland and the use of public and private buildings, including hotels and residences, to accommodate the migrants.

The Red Cross, consistent with its role last October, is overseeing efforts to facilitate the integration of migrants into Spain and Europe. Data from the NGO, as shared with SUR, indicates that 61 out of the 385 individuals received in Torrox previously, were identified as vulnerable.

One minor was referred to the protection services of Andalusia's regional government, and 64 sought international protection. The majority, around 300 people, gradually departed with the support of their networks, according to Samuel Linares, the provincial coordinator of the Red Cross, who spoke to SUR in December 2023.

Also read: Report: 6,618 migrants died en route to Spain in 2023

Local resistance to migrant arrivals

Last year's short-notice arrival of migrants in Torrox initially sparked controversy, mainly due to offensive statements made by the town's right-wing councilor for culture and popular traditions, Salvador Escudero. The Public Prosecutor's Office initiated criminal investigation proceedings in response to complaints from opposition political parties.

SUR reported that last year, the mayor of Torrox, Óscar Medina, had criticized the government for a "lack of loyalty" and poor communication regarding the migrant arrivals in the town, stating that he only learned of the arrivals the day before. However, the recent plans appear to have been communicated effectively, as Medina extended his gratitude to both the Red Cross and the government, for informing him about the arrival of the 230 new migrants.

Medina emphasized the commendable work carried out by the Red Cross, noting the absolute absence of incidents following Escudero's controversial remarks in October. He also mentioned that he had requested Escudero's to apologize shortly after the initial controversy emerged.

Also read: Three people found dead off Canary Islands, 15 others rescued