Pedro Sánchez, Spain's Prime Minister, has unveiled a new agreement with Mauritania aimed at establishing "humane, safe and organised" migration routes. This announcement, made on August 27, 2024, in Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital, has sparked a heated debate within Spain about the country's approach to immigration.
The agreement comes in response to a significant surge in migration to the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean. According to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency established in 2004, over 21,000 people crossed to the islands in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 154% increase compared to the previous year.
Sánchez emphasized the importance of immigrant workers to Spain's economy, stating, "The contribution of immigrant workers is fundamental for our economy." This stance aligns with the Spanish government's assessment that between 200,000 and 250,000 immigrants are needed annually to sustain the country's welfare and public pension systems.
The agreement includes provisions for issuing temporary work permits for Mauritanians in Spain and allocating €500,000 for training Mauritanian security forces in migration policing. Spain, a member of the European Union since 1986, hopes that opening more legal routes will discourage dangerous Atlantic crossings.
However, opposition parties have strongly criticized the move. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), founded in 1989, argued that the agreement would exacerbate the migration crisis. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party established in 2013, went further, claiming Sánchez's policies would lead to "an invasion" of migrants.
Recent statistics reveal the scale of the challenge. In the period from January to mid-August 2024, irregular migration to Spain reached 31,155, a 66% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Last year saw a total of 39,910 arrivals, with 22,000 reaching the Canary Islands.
Sánchez's visit to Mauritania is part of a broader West African tour, which includes stops in Gambia and Senegal. The tour aims not only to address migration issues but also to counter growing Russian influence in the Sahel region, an area facing increasing security challenges and climate change impacts.
"Immigration is not a problem, but a necessity that entails certain problems."
This perspective contrasts sharply with Vox's stance, which has linked immigration to increases in violent crime and advocated for the expulsion of immigrants without legal residence permits. The Spanish government has accused the PP of adopting Vox's "xenophobic" approach to immigration.
As Spain navigates these complex issues, it's worth noting that the country has a rich history of cultural exchange. Spanish, spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, reflects Spain's global connections. Moreover, Spain's current constitution, adopted in 1978, established a constitutional monarchy, emphasizing democratic values and human rights.
The debate over immigration in Spain continues to evolve, reflecting broader European and global discussions on migration, economic needs, and cultural integration.