In a conference room near León, Spain, a group of Sub-Saharan African men, many of whom are asylum seekers, engage in a lively game of bingo. Their laughter contrasts sharply with the hardships they faced before arriving in Spain. One of the men, Michael from Ghana, shares his harrowing journey, escaping a violent conflict that claimed the lives of his sister and father. After enduring a treacherous route to Morocco and a perilous boat journey to the Canary Islands, Michael expresses his relief at reaching Spain, where he hopes to continue his studies in human resource management. He views his new environment as a significant opportunity, emphasizing Spain’s reputation as a respected country.
Currently, about 170 asylum seekers stay in a repurposed hotel in Villaquilambre, reflecting a broader trend of increasing migration to Spain. This year alone, over 42,000 undocumented migrants have arrived, marking a substantial rise from previous years. These departures often stem from dire circumstances, with many migrants hoping for a better life and escaping perilous situations. The surge in arrivals has provoked significant political debate within Spain, particularly fueled by the far-right Vox party, which frames the situation as an invasion. Their rhetoric has intensified discussions about immigration policies, mirroring debates seen in several European nations.
As these political debates unfold, economists like Javier Díaz-Giménez are raising alarms about Spain’s demographic challenges. Spain faces a significant workforce deficit, primarily due to an aging population as the baby boom generation transitions into retirement. Díaz-Giménez warns that nearly 14.1 million people are projected to retire in the next two decades, creating a substantial gap in the labor market. He suggests that addressing this issue requires either significant technological advancements or immigration. Without a robust influx of workers, Spain’s economy risks stagnation, making the integration of migrants essential for future growth.
Indeed, Spain’s central bank has forecasted a need for approximately 25 million immigrants over the next 30 years to sustain the economy. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly emphasized the economic benefits of immigration, underscoring the role that migrant workers play in bolstering Spain’s social security system and supporting the country’s economic framework. Despite these economic arguments, public sentiment diverges significantly. A recent poll indicates that a large portion of the Spanish population expresses concern over immigration, associating it more with insecurity than economic advancement.
In Villaquilambre, however, there are tangible examples of successful integration, as asylum seekers are allowed to enter the workforce after six months. Dolores Queiro, from the San Juan de Dios Foundation, outlines a proactive approach to prepare these newcomers for employment, emphasizing language skills and relevant job training. Asylum seekers are motivated and eager to work, which has made them appealing to local businesses struggling to fill positions. Makan, a recent arrival from Mali, illustrates this potential; he has secured a job with a local countertops business and appreciates the opportunity to contribute.
Local employers like Ramiro Rodríguez Alaez emphasize the importance of migrant labor in supporting their businesses. Despite the physically demanding nature of the work, he notes that finding local workers willing to take on such jobs has been challenging. With a shortage of labor in the region, local companies increasingly turn to immigrants, who are often willing and able to fill the gaps. This symbiotic relationship not only helps businesses thrive but also provides the migrants, who have endured arduous journeys to reach Spain, with a sense of dignity and a means to support themselves and integrate into their new communities.