Overview

• Canary Islands authorities carried out the first transfers under RD658/2025, relocating three unaccompanied minors aged 13, 16 and 17 to mainland communities.
• The minors entered via El Hierro on September 15 from Gambia and Senegal, marking the first departures since a migratory contingency was declared on August 28.
• Article 5 of the new decree sets a 15-day timeline, yet Canary officials say safeguards for minors prolonged these cases to nearly a month.
• Cantabria says it has been notified of 13 files and has transfer resolutions for three dated October 2 and 3, alleging lack of coordination, planning and transparency from the central government.
• Age verification issues have disrupted some moves, with failed attempts in the islands when individuals proved to be adults and Cantabria reporting one Melilla case that will not proceed for the same reason.