Spain looks to immigrants to drive economy

Published On Oct 9, 2024, 7:11 PM

The article discusses the increasing influx of asylum seekers into Spain, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, and the implications for the Spanish economy faced with a demographic challenge. With over 42,000 migrants arriving so far this year—a significant uptick from previous years—the need for labor to support an aging population and an impending retirement wave is highlighted. Experts suggest that immigration could be a solution to this workforce deficit. The Spanish government is proposing to legalize the status of many undocumented migrants as they are seen as essential for the economy and sustainability of social programs. However, political and public sentiments towards immigration remain mixed, with many Spaniards concerned about its implications.