Spain Approves New Migrant Center in Tenerife
Spain's Ministry of Interior and the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife have signed an agreement to construct a new €7 million temporary reception center for 348 foreign arrivals in Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, expected to be completed by year-end.
An agreement has been signed between the Secretary of State for Security (part of Spain's Ministry of Interior) and the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This agreement allows for the construction of a new temporary reception center for foreign arrivals (CATE) in the Granadilla de Abona industrial estate. The facility, covering over 4,000 square meters, will house 348 people. It will be located next to the desalination plant and near Endesa's thermal power station.
The project has a budget of over seven million euros and is expected to be finished by the end of this year. Work began this January with land clearing, earthworks, and storing materials. A state of emergency for its construction was declared on September 18, 2024. The agreement confirming its construction was then signed on February 20, 2025.
The agreement sets a maximum operational period of six years for the CATE. This includes an initial four-year period with an option to extend for another two years. Additionally, the Official State Gazette (BOE) has published that the Ministry of Interior will not have to pay fees for using the land, which belongs to the Port Authority.
Despite work already being underway, on Friday, January 16, construction was halted and the site remained closed. The project's budget includes ensuring the facility is operational and suitable for living. A strong emphasis has been placed on security and communication, with the entire premises being equipped with advanced video surveillance, public address, and telecommunications systems.
The 348 spaces will be divided among three modules: two main modules will accommodate 256 people, and an auxiliary module will house 92. Bunk beds will be provided in all three. The center will have a single entrance and exit, accessible via an unpaved road. This road is located on the left side of the thermal power plant and faces the sea.
A temporary reception center for foreigners (CATE) provides care for people who arrive in 'cayucos' (small boats) during their first 72 hours, or three days. These centers are designed specifically for the initial police processing of those arriving by sea. This includes police identification, fingerprinting, basic legal assistance, and initial healthcare. Similar facilities are currently operating in Gran Canaria, El Hierro, and Lanzarote, with another one planned for Fuerteventura.