Balearic migrant minors: government seeks to trace families
The Balearic Islands government wants to trace the families of unaccompanied migrant minors in its care and assess whether reunification in their countries of origin could be possible. Families Minister Sandra Fernández set out the proposal in Palma, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, on 18 August 2026.
Fernández said some children and teenagers have remained in contact with relatives, while other families may be identifiable. Any potential reunification would require authorities to establish that relatives could provide appropriate protection and would need to be pursued with safeguards in place.
Family tracing proposal
Speaking during a visit to the Fiesta con cabeza volunteer camp, Fernández backed a non-legislative motion lodged by her People’s Party. It calls on Spain’s national government to provide a specific response to unaccompanied migrant minors arriving in the Balearic Islands.
She said the search would require communication with countries of origin through national government channels, as well as cooperation from the young people concerned. The proposal also seeks measures to support family reunification in their home countries.
Care centres under pressure
Fernández said the islands were close to caring for 900 unaccompanied migrant minors, leaving child-protection centres overstretched. She described the position on Formentera as particularly serious, citing shortages of funding, staff and suitable premises for the island councils responsible for minors’ care.
She raised the issue ahead of the Conference for Children and Adolescents on 27 August, when an extraordinary €25 million credit for Ceuta linked to the care of migrant minors is due to be discussed. Asked about a possible expansion of the temporary reception space beside the CATE facility at Son Tous, she said the Mallorca Institute of Social Affairs, which manages the site, could provide details.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com