MADRID 

A total of 249 irregular migrants, including Pakistanis and Syrians, arrived on Spain's Canary Islands, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

EFE, citing security and emergency teams, reported that 174 migrants, including women and children, landed on the island of El Hierro, while 75 others arrived in Gran Canaria on two separate boats.

Among those arriving in El Hierro, 51 were identified as Pakistani and Syrian nationals, who used an unusual route as migrants from these countries are typically known to use the Mediterranean, authorities said.

The number of irregular migrants arriving in Spain has surged by nearly 70% in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, with 22,304 arrivals recorded on the Canary Islands alone.

Recently, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania to discuss the irregular migrant issue.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor