Holiday hotspots Majorca and Ibiza are preparing to house asylum seekers in a swathe of UK-style migrant hotels, according to local reports.
The move comes amid a surge in the number of migrants arriving on the shores of the Balearic Islands.
Comprised of Menorca and Formentera, along with Majorca and Ibiza, the Balearic Islands have experienced a significant surge in unauthorized arrivals this year, sparking concerns that this Mediterranean region could become a focal point for migration.
Earlier this month, a total of 639 migrants made their way to the islands over just three days aboard 38 small boats, bringing the annual total to 4,500 arrivals so far.
Although this figure is much lower than the 50,000 migrants who have arrived in the UK since the Labour Party led by Sir Keir Starmer took charge last year, Balearic authorities have persistently urged the government to step up border support.
‘Where is the government of (Pedro) Sanchez?’ regional leader Marga Prohens said earlier this month, referring to Spain’s Prime Minister.
The call was made for enhanced law enforcement resources and collaboration with Algeria, presumed to be the origin of most of the small wooden boats, known as pateras.
Following Madrid’s promise to help the islands manage the influx of arrivals, it seems that this aid is being provided in the form of a multi-million euro package to fund accommodations for migrants.
Holiday hotspots Majorca and Ibiza are preparing to house asylum seekers in a swathe of UK-style migrant hotels (File Image)
A noticeable increase in the number of migrants reaching the Balearic Islands has been observed (Pictured: A migrant drying clothes in a park in Majorca on August 24, 2025).
Some 639 migrants reached the islands in the space of just three days earlier this month after making the journey on 38 small boats (Pictured: Migrants arriving from a Spanish coast guard vessel on March 5, 2025)
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Spanish Government has given Balearic officials 6.7million euros to combat the crisis.
They say that the budget being deployed to fund migrant hotels will only be used in ‘exceptional circumstances’ where existing temporary accommodation is full.
But the report claims Madrid’s funding will be used to create further care facilities in the Port of Palma.
Such accommodation will reportedly be manned by translators and security guards, with extra cash going towards ferrying migrants to and from the mainland under the ministry’s human aid programme.
The English publication, which is based on the island, goes on to say that hotels could also be used under special circumstances such as housing entire families or women fleeing violence.
Madrid’s Balearic delegate has already confirmed that potential hotels have been identified for use, according to the report, with medical care units, legal advisors and dining halls also set to be deployed.
Migrants (pictured) rest after disembarking from a Spanish coast guard vessel on April 13, 2025
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin , the Balearic Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has been handed 6.7million euros to combat the crisis (File Image)
The Balearic Government is set to take the issue to the Supreme Court in Madrid, citing that they have a lack of resources and funding – among other issues – to absorb such mass arrivals.
Manuel Pavón, the newly appointed Balearics director-general for immigration and cooperation and former police officer, has taken aim at Madrid delegate Alfonso Rodriguez over migration.
He said: ‘Perhaps he’s forgotten that I’m a police officer. Every time waves of boats arrive, the police unions complain that they don’t have the resources and that people aren’t monitored.
‘We must recognise that we don’t know who arrives, where they’re going, or what they’ve done; we have no data, and the police are overwhelmed.’
Mr Pavon also pointed to the 77 per cent rise in rates of migrants arriving on the Balearics in the last year, while the Canary Islands have seen a 46 per cent decrease.
It is unclear whether any such move would see migrants housed in the same hotels often frequented by Britons abroad or whether the residences would be closed off to the public.
The Daily Mail has approached the Spanish Government’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration for comment.
