In a sprawling production facility located in Guissona, Spain, workers from 62 different nationalities collaborate seamlessly to maintain the operations of a thriving food company. This diverse workforce is pivotal in facilitating the movement of millions of ham legs along conveyor belts, which is emblematic of Spain’s successful economic model. While sentiments against immigration intensify in various places like Europe and the United States, foreign labor has contributed significantly to Spain’s impressive economic performance.
Xavier Moreno, the head of human resources at the company, emphasized the essential role that foreign workers play in its success, expressing gratitude for their contribution. The integration of foreign labor has fueled Spain’s economy, enabling a growth rate of approximately 3% last year, outpacing the euro zone’s average of 0.8%. Spain’s growth has even surpassed that of the U.S., which stood at 2.8% according to projections by the OECD.
The Spanish ministry responsible for social security and migration highlighted that since 2022, nearly 45% of new jobs have been allocated to around half a million foreign-born individuals. Today, about 3 million foreigners make up 13% of Spain’s workforce. Minister Elma Saiz underscored the choice between preserving Spain as an open and prosperous nation versus a closed and underdeveloped one.
Pedro Aznar, an economics professor at Esade Business School, pointed out that the influx of foreign workers allowed Spain to outperform countries like Germany, where the manufacturing sector faces challenges. Spain’s economy, anchored by robust service and tourism industries, benefits from foreign workers filling lower-wage roles often avoided by native Spaniards. Owing to their shared language, Spain is uniquely positioned to attract economic migrants from Latin America, who integrate quickly into its society.
The Bank of Spain’s data indicates that almost all of the population increase since the COVID-19 pandemic has been driven by immigration, with 1.1 million arrivals last year. The newcomers are credited with bolstering the country’s social security system amid the challenges brought on by an aging population—a challenge familiar to many European countries. Impressively, 85% of those who found employment last year were foreign-born.
Despite the rise of anti-immigrant narratives in parts of Europe, Spain’s political landscape has not significantly veered towards anti-migration stances. Although factional forces have emerged, they haven’t achieved considerable traction. Among many success stories is Mohamed Es-Saile, who arrived in Spain illegally from Morocco at 16. Now working legally at the production plant, Es-Saile has not encountered significant hostility towards migrants.
Most immigrants have successfully transitioned to Spain legally, including many from Latin America. Over 4 million Latin American immigrants resided legally in Spain as of 2023. Among them is Víctor Razuri, from Peru, who was recruited by bonÀrea as a mechanic and electrician last year. He shared that working with a diverse group initially presented challenges, but adaptability prevailed.
Integration initiatives by companies like bonÀrea include language classes, assistance with work permits, and support in finding homes and schools. Worker representatives collaborate to address cultural differences, further aiding integration.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has advocated for legal migration, emphasizing its importance for economic sustainability. Spain introduced 458,000 authorized immigrants last year, originating predominantly from Morocco, Latin America, and other regions. Newcomers typically fill roles in sectors like services, construction, and agriculture.
With unemployment remaining high, social shifts in Spain have allowed an influx of labor without severe social friction. The Bank of Spain predicts that sustaining economic equilibrium will require welcoming 30 million working-age immigrants over the next three decades. Businesses, like the café operated by Jordi Ortiz in Barcelona, rely heavily on foreign staff. Spaniards are less inclined towards service sector jobs, concentrating on more traditionally prestigious careers.
As Spain addresses unauthorized migration across the Mediterranean, the government seeks solutions such as European Union agreements with Morocco to manage migrant flows. Recent proposals by Sánchez’s government aim to regularize roughly 900,000 foreigners over the next three years, integrating them into the workforce and tax systems. Employers like bonÀrea are prepared to offer opportunities to these individuals, with hundreds of job openings anticipated.
