The European Migration Pact comes into force in the Canary Islands
Published: July 25, 2026
The Canary Islands are calling on Brussels for fast-track transfer mechanisms to mainland Spain as the new European asylum framework takes effect.
The European Pact on Migration and Asylum has applied in the Canary Islands since June 12, 2026. The Canary Islands Government has raised concerns about the border screening procedure, which can last up to six months, and is calling for automatic transfer mechanisms to mainland Spain to prevent the islands from becoming a place of prolonged detention.
What changes under the Pact
- Accelerated border procedure: people arriving irregularly can be held for up to 12 initial weeks, extendable by another 12 weeks in certain cases.
- Faster returns: expulsion is streamlined for those without a right to asylum. Detention periods are extended and return procedures of up to three months are allowed for nationals of countries with asylum acceptance rates below 20%.
- Limited transfers: the Pact does not guarantee automatic transfers to mainland Spain. The solidarity mechanism is voluntary, and several member states have said they will contribute only financially, not through relocations.
The Canary Islands Government's position
Vice President Octavio Caraballo has said in Brussels that the agreement "must give a voice to border regions" and that, without fast-track transfer mechanisms, "it will not be effective" for the archipelago. President Fernando Clavijo has warned that the impact on border areas could push "rights into the background."
The Canary Islands and the Basque Country have held sessions with NGOs and organisations working with migrants to analyse the consequences of the new framework, which directly affects both regions.
Effects on migrants
- The average stay in reception centres could rise from one month to as much as six months in some cases.
- Asylum and expulsion processes are being accelerated without clear guarantees of transfer to mainland Spain, increasing the need for legal support throughout the process.
- People in an irregular situation from countries with low asylum recognition rates face a higher risk of rapid deportation.
Ubuntu Canarias' role
Ubuntu Canarias informs and supports migrants in understanding their rights under the new European framework. If you need guidance on the Pact or your legal situation, get in touch with us.
Ubuntu Canarias · European legal framework
