Spain is taking the lead in putting the European Migration and Asylum Pact into action.
Minister Elma Saiz and the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration are working to adjust national policies to meet the pact’s goals. The goal is to manage migration in an organized way while upholding humanitarian values.
Reducing irregular arrivals
Irregular arrivals have significantly decreased in early 2025. Minister Saiz announced a 22% drop in migrants reaching Spain’s coasts, especially in the Canary Islands.
She credited the decline to the government’s focus on promoting safe, legal, and organized migration.
In 2024, Spain welcomed 20,515 foreign workers, mainly from Morocco, Colombia, Honduras, and Ecuador.
The government expects this number to rise to 25,300 in 2025, adding workers from Tunisia and Egypt. Saiz highlighted the economic benefits of these efforts, noting that they strengthen the labor market while providing legal migration opportunities.
Comprehensive immigration reform
Spain’s new Regulation on Foreigners, taking effect on May 20th, updates the current legal framework to create safer and more organized migration paths.
Minister Saiz highlighted that over 7 million foreigners in Spain have valid residence documents, with more than 5 million in stable administrative situations.
The regulation also enhances the “arraigo” process, making it easier for long-term migrants to live and work legally.
Family reunification rules will also expand, allowing more opportunities for the children of Spanish citizens and new nationality holders.
Enhanced border management and protection
On December 12th, Spain submitted its National Implementation Plan as part of the European Migration and Asylum Pact.
The plan strengthens border management while protecting migrant rights during processing. It also includes a contingency plan to manage unexpected surges in arrivals, with a focus on properly caring for minors seeking international protection.
Minister Saiz reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to balancing security with compassion, emphasizing a humane and supportive approach.
Growing contributions from foreign workers
Spain’s labor market continues to grow, with 2.97 million foreign workers contributing to Social Security in February 2025 — an increase of 15,804 in one month.
Foreign workers now account for 13.8% of all Social Security contributors, highlighting the country’s increasing reliance on migrant labor.
Since the 2022 labor reform, the number of foreign contributors has risen by 26.6%, with nearly half of all new jobs filled by migrants.
Over the past year, self-employed foreign workers increased by 8.2%, especially in information, communications, and professional services.
Ukrainian nationals and other contributors
Ukrainian nationals have made a significant impact on Spain’s workforce. By February 2025, more than 73,000 Ukrainians were employed in Spain, marking a 54% increase since the war began in 2022.
Most work under the General Social Security Scheme, while some are self-employed.
Workers from Morocco, Romania, Colombia, Italy, Venezuela, and China also play a key role in Spain’s economy, reflecting the country’s dedication to inclusive labor integration.
Changing travel and migration landscape
Spain’s leadership in drafting the European Migration and Asylum Pact’s implementation plan could change how visitors, migrants, and long-term travelers experience the EU.
While short-term visitors might not notice immediate changes, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), launching in 2026, will require non-European Union (EU) travelers from visa-exempt countries to get authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
Spain’s push for simpler, more efficient procedures aims to improve border management and speed up entry decisions.
For long-term visitors and migrants, the new policies promote legal and organized migration. Spain’s agreements with Morocco, Colombia, Honduras, and Ecuador support circular migration programs, offering regulated work opportunities.
The updated Regulation on Foreigners also expands family reunification rights and speeds up access to the labor market.
Migrants seeking legal employment and stability may benefit from these changes, while asylum seekers could receive stronger protections under the revised system.
Balancing security and solidarity across the EU
Spain’s leadership in implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact marks a shift in how EU countries handle migration. By promoting shared responsibility, member states will work together to process asylum applications and support refugees.
Spain’s decision to submit its National Implementation Plan ahead of schedule shows its commitment to stronger European cooperation.
This joint approach could lead countries to adjust their immigration laws. With contingency plans for sudden migration surges, governments can create flexible systems to manage both expected and unexpected arrivals.
Spain’s focus on legal migration as a key part of society may also encourage others to introduce more adaptable work visa programs and family reunification policies.
Spain’s integration plans, which emphasize employment, education, and community involvement, could serve as a model for other EU countries.
By adopting similar policies, nations can better support migrants’ long-term inclusion, promoting smoother transitions and stronger social ties.
Path toward integration and coexistence
Minister Saiz highlighted the importance of integration through the Plan for Integration and Intercultural Coexistence.
Currently open for public input, the plan seeks to boost migrant participation by improving access to jobs, education, housing, and community involvement.
Spain’s approach to migration management serves as a model for other EU countries. By promoting responsible policies and cooperation, Spain shows how migration can drive both economic growth and social progress.