The number of unaccompanied migrant children in Mallorca under the guardianship of the Institut Mallorquí d’Afers Socials (IMAS) has exceeded 500 for the first time. There are currently 503 children, after a further 226 children and teenagers without family members arrived on the island since the beginning of 2026.

Arrivals of unaccompanied children in Mallorca have increased by 625% compared with 2019, according to figures provided by IMAS. The institution says this increase is placing unprecedented pressure on its reception and protection resources.

At the beginning of September, the Consell reported that 465 migrant children were under its guardianship and that 193 had arrived during 2026. The latest figures raise those numbers to 503 and 226 respectively.

IMAS warns that the child protection system is overwhelmed

IMAS President and Councillor for Social Welfare Guillermo Sánchez described the fact that the number of migrant children under guardianship has exceeded 500 for the first time as “alarming and worrying”.

“Mallorca’s child protection system is overwhelmed and the situation, far from being resolved, continues to worsen”, Sánchez said, putting overcrowding at the centres at more than 1,000%.

unaccompanied migrant children in Mallorca

IMAS President and Councillor for Social Welfare Guillermo Sánchez. Photo: Consell de Mallorca.

The island official also highlighted the work of the professionals responsible for caring for the children and said they are working under “increasingly difficult” conditions to guarantee their protection and wellbeing.

The increase in the arrival of migrant children in Mallorca has forced IMAS to expand the resources allocated to their care in recent years. These include the Son Tous emergency facility, which was set up to respond to the increase in arrivals and provide initial care within the child protection system.

Consell calls for more resources from the Spanish Government

The Consell de Mallorca attributes the current pressure on Mallorca’s child protection system to the increase in irregular arrivals on the island’s coasts and is calling on the Spanish Government for more resources and coordination.

Sánchez said Mallorca will continue to care for children who arrive on the island, but believes that the Spanish Government must assume greater responsibility for migration policy, which falls under its jurisdiction.

IMAS says it has activated all available resources to care for the 503 migrant children currently under guardianship in Mallorca and guarantee their protection despite the increasing pressure on the island’s network.