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Spain’s Economic Boom: A Story of Migration and Growth
In a sprawling production plant in Guissona, Spain, workers from 62 different nationalities come together to keep the economy thriving. This diverse workforce is a microcosm of Spain’s broader economic success story, which has been fueled by immigration. Foreign workers have played a pivotal role in making Spain’s economy one of the most envied in the industrialized world, even as anti-immigration sentiments rise in other parts of Europe and the United States. Xavier Moreno, head of human resources at BonÀrea, a leading food company, emphasizes, “BonÀrea would not be possible if it weren’t for the people from other countries who have come here to work. We should be eternally grateful to them.”
Spain’s economy grew by an impressive 3% in 2022, outpacing both the euro zone average of 0.8% and the U.S. growth rate of 2.8%. This growth has been driven by the influx of foreign workers, who have filled nearly 45% of all new jobs created since 2022. Today, nearly 3 million foreigners make up 13% of Spain’s workforce, contributing to sectors ranging from tourism to manufacturing.
The Power of Immigrant Labor
Spain’s reliance on immigrant labor has been a game-changer, particularly in its booming tourism and service industries. Foreign workers often take on lower-wage jobs that many Spaniards are reluctant to accept. For example, in the bustling cafes of Barcelona, it’s common to see staff from South America serving tables or preparing meals. Café owner Jordi Ortiz admits, “There’s no way I could keep my business going without my staff of mostly South Americans. Spaniards just don’t want to work in the service sector.”
This trend is not limited to the service industry. In construction, farming, and manufacturing, foreign workers are filling critical gaps. Víctor Lisbona, a contractor in Barcelona, notes that around 80% of the carpenters, electricians, and construction professionals he works with are foreigners. “Young Spaniards don’t want to do the hard jobs,” he says. “They want to study to be lawyers, doctors.” As a result, Spain has avoided the labor shortages that have plagued other European countries.
A Nation of Immigrants: Social Integration and Challenges
Spain’s population growth since the COVID-19 pandemic is almost entirely due to immigration. In 2022 alone, 1.1 million people arrived in the country, according to the Bank of Spain. These newcomers have not only sustained Spain’s aging social security system but also revitalized its workforce. Mohamed Es-Saile, a 38-year-old electrician from Morocco, reflects on his journey: “I don’t feel any hate toward migrants here. A person from abroad can adapt to situations in a new country, even sometimes better than people from that country.”
Despite the economic benefits, Spain is not immune to the challenges of migration. Unauthorized crossings from Africa, particularly to Spain’s Canary Islands, have created a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of migrants risking their lives to reach European shores. Meanwhile, far-right political forces have gained traction by focusing on unauthorized migration from Africa and Islamic countries. Yet, these groups have struggled to dominate the national narrative, as Spain’s leaders continue to champion the benefits of legal migration.
Latin America: A Key Source of Migration
Latin Americans have been a cornerstone of Spain’s migration story. Over 4 million legal immigrants from Latin America now call Spain home, drawn by linguistic and cultural ties. Víctor Razuri, a 41-year-old mechanic from Peru, was recruited by BonÀrea last year. He admits, “It was a little tough at first, but I think I have adapted.” Razuri’s story is typical of many Latin American migrants who find work in Spain’s dynamic job market.
The integration of Latin American immigrants has been relatively smooth, thanks in part to shared language and cultural practices. Emily Soto, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1998, recalls, “When I got here, there was nobody else from my country. But now they just keep coming.” Today, Soto serves tables at a café in Barcelona, where she has built a new life for herself and her family.
Government Policy and the Future of Migration
Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has been a vocal advocate for legal migration, highlighting its economic benefits. “Welcoming those who come here looking for a better life is not just an obligation, it is also an essential step to guaranteeing our future prosperity,” he told Parliament in October. To address unauthorized migration, Sánchez’s government announced plans to grant work permits and residency papers to 900,000 undocumented migrants over the next three years, hoping they will integrate into the workforce and contribute to the economy.
At the same time, Spain is working to establish legal pathways for migration from Africa. Sánchez has promoted a temporary work scheme that would allow African workers to enter Spain safely and legally. While results are still pending, the initiative reflects Spain’s commitment to balancing economic needs with humanitarian values. For companies like BonÀrea, which plans to fill 700 open positions with these newcomers, the future looks bright.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Immigration in Spain’s Prosperity
As Spain looks to the future, immigration will remain central to its economic and social prosperity. The Bank of Spain estimates that an aging Spain will need 30 million working-age immigrants over the next 30 years to maintain its workforce. For now, the country continues to attract migrants from around the world, from Ukrainian refugees to South American workers seeking better opportunities.
While challenges like unauthorized migration and anti-immigrant sentiment persist, Spain’s approach to immigration offers a blueprint for other nations. By embracing diversity and creating opportunities for newcomers, Spain has proven that migration can be a source of strength, not weakness. As one migrant so eloquently put it, “A person from abroad can adapt to situations in a new country, even sometimes better than people from that country.” In Spain, this adaptability has become the foundation of a thriving economy and a vibrant society.
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