Spain repatriates 73,000 illegal immigrants

Spain’s government has repatriated more than 73,000 illegal immigrants this year, almost a fifth of whom were sub-Saharan Africans, the deputy premier said yesterday in a parliamentary debate.

Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega’s statements were in response to criticism from the opposition conservative Popular Party.

During the debate, Popular Party No. 2 Angel Acebes accused the governing Socialists of mishandling the influx of illegal immigrants to the country.

“How many illegal immigrants is the government planning to leave in the streets next month, once the period of detention in internment centres has ended?” Acebes said, adding that for every deported sub-Saharan African, seven remained in the country.

About three weeks ago, the Spanish government said 52,000 illegal immigrants had been repatriated this year.

Under Spanish law, authorities have 40 days to identify and repatriate illegal immigrants and must free them if the deadline is not met.

In her rebuttal, De la Vega described Acebes’ memory as ”fragile,” noting that the country’s immigration policy – turned into law when the opposition was governing – had changed little since the Socialists took office in 2004.

More than 24,000 immigrants have been caught trying to reach the Canary Islands this year. The vast majority sailed from west Africa in crowded open boats, many perishing en route.

A smaller number attempted to reach Spain’s southern coast by crossing the Mediterranean from north Africa, most apprehended at sea.

Earlier this month Italy, Greece and Malta joined Spain in a plea for EU assistance in tackling the problem of illegal immigration from Africa. The four EU members complained that scant aid and help promised months ago were not sufficient.

On Tuesday, Canary Islands authorities apprehended 106 illegal immigrants, one of whom died in a local hospital, according to a spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry.