Spain will launch a scheme to connect migrants with jobs as part of a broader programme aimed at granting legal status to around 500,000 undocumented workers, the country’s top immigration official told Reuters.
Announced in January, the initiative has drawn criticism from far-right leaders in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. However, Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government says migration is essential to sustaining economic growth and offsetting the effects of an ageing population by expanding the younger workforce.
Surge in Applications and Labour Needs
Secretary of State for Migration Pilar Cancela said as of last week, the government had received over 200,000 applications in the programme’s first month. Many of these applicants were granted temporary work permits once their applications had been accepted for processing, she said.
Spain needs approximately 2.4 million more people paying into social security over the next decade to sustain its welfare state, according to official estimates.
Authorities, supported by NGOs and dedicated offices, were ready to cope with up to one million applications – twice the expected demand – and have a plan to help migrants find formal jobs, Cancela said.
Out Of The Shadows
The job-matching strategy aims to move thousands out of the shadow economy to stem labour shortages in key sectors.
The Migration Ministry will conduct a voluntary survey of those granted provisional work permits to understand their skills and where they would like to work.
The government is partnering with business groups in the construction, tourism, transport and care services sectors to assess labour demand and coordinate with regularised migrants looking for work.
Cancela said the ministry’s plan would also be accompanied by increased labour inspections.
“I think it’s also a major opportunity to bring certain situations to light, because when people come forward in the regularisation process, we will learn about their circumstances,” she said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
