The organization Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR) has presented its annual report, based on 2025 data, indicating a 13.7% decrease in asylum applications compared to the previous year. This reduction breaks the growth trend of prior years and is attributed to border externalization policies and the new immigration regulation.
The reform of the immigration law, effective since May 2025, has been criticized by entities like CEAR, as the waiting period for an asylum request resolution will no longer count towards future regularization through 'arraigo' (rootedness). This change has led to a 179.8% increase in application dismissals, totaling 16,991 cases in 2025.
Venezuela remains the primary country of origin for protection applicants, accounting for 59% of requests. However, a notable decrease has been observed in applications from Colombia, Peru, and Senegal. On the other hand, Mali has seen an increase of nearly 50% in its applications, and new countries of origin such as Palestine, Guinea Conakry, and Somalia have emerged.
The report also highlights a 46% drop in irregular arrivals on Spanish coasts, with 15% of cases involving unaccompanied minors. The entity points out that the decline is more pronounced in the Canary Islands, possibly due to reinforced migratory control in third countries, while the Balearic route has seen an increase in arrivals.
The general director of CEAR, Mónica López, described the increased vulnerability of individuals arriving by sea, suffering from conditions such as multi-organ failure, amputations, or post-traumatic stress.
Barriers to inclusion for refugees in Spain, particularly in accessing housing and the Minimum Living Income, were another key point of the study, highlighting discriminatory practices and increased precariousness.
“"A person in Colombia who has been threatened... the guarantee is that you will be killed, not saved"
Colombian activist Luis Carlos Agudelo lamented his country's inclusion in the EU's list of safe countries, despite the ongoing armed conflict. He recounted his own exile experience after facing threats and persecution for denouncing his son's murder during social protests in 2021.
