Migrants Find Safety in Canary Islands, but New Challenges Await on Dry Land

He Risked His Life to Reach the Canary Islands, but Getting There Was Only the Start LAS PALMAS, SPAIN - For thousands of migrants who have braved treacherous sea crossings to reach Spain's Canary Islands in recent years, arriving on dry land has brought little respite. Many find themselves stranded for months, unable to work and clinging to the hope that life will be better once they reach mainland Spain. According to official statistics, over 40,000 migrants have arrived on the islands since 2018, with many more attempting the perilous journey each year. The numbers are staggering, but the reality is even more daunting for those who make it to shore. "I was stuck in a hotel like this one for three months," said Ahmed, a 25-year-old migrant from Senegal, who arrived on the island of Gran Canaria last year. "I had no money, no job, and no way to get to mainland Spain. It was like being trapped." Ahmed's experience is not unique. Many migrants are forced to wait for months in overcrowded hotels, often with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. "It's a very difficult situation," said Maria Rodriguez, a social worker at the local migrant center. "These people have risked their lives to get here, but then they're stuck in limbo, unable to move forward." The Canary Islands' unique geography has made them a magnet for migrants seeking a safer route into Europe. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the islands are within reach of West African countries like Senegal and Gambia. However, the journey is far from easy. Many migrants pay exorbitant fees to smugglers who pack them onto rickety boats that often break down or are intercepted by authorities. "It's a gamble," said Dr. Amadou Ba, a migration expert at the University of Las Palmas. "These people are taking huge risks, but they're also desperate. They've been promised a better life in Europe, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get there." Despite the challenges, many migrants remain optimistic about their chances of success. "I know it's not going to be easy," said Ahmed, who is now working as a waiter on the island. "But I'm determined to make a new life for myself here. I just want to work hard and provide for my family back home." As the migrant crisis continues to unfold in the Canary Islands, local authorities are struggling to keep pace with the influx of arrivals. "We're doing our best," said Rodriguez, the social worker. "But we need more resources, more support from the government, and more understanding from the community. These people are not just statistics; they're human beings who deserve dignity and respect." For now, Ahmed and thousands like him remain stranded on the islands, waiting for their chance to start anew. "I'm not giving up," he said with a determined smile. "I'll keep fighting until I reach my goal." *Reporting by Npr.*