Spain offers one-year residency, work permits to 25,000 foreigners hit by Valencia floods

The Spanish government will issue one-year residency and work permits to 25,000 foreigners affected by last October’s catastrophic flash floods in eastern Spain, according to a report.

According to a Euro News report, the measure, which was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday, aims to streamline paperwork for those left homeless, particularly in the Valencia region.

Following the October 29 disaster, which claimed 227 lives and devastated numerous homes and businesses, the government has launched a significant recovery and reconstruction effort.

The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration said the chaos from the torrential rains left many immigrants unable to fulfill the requirements for legal residence, study, and work in Spain. Employers also struggled to navigate the bureaucracy needed to hire foreign workers.

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The ministry said that new one-year permits will be granted due to the “unexpected exceptional circumstances”, but noted they can and will be denied where there are concerns over public order, security or health, reported Euro News.

Moreover, foreigners who lost relatives in the floods will be granted five years of residency in Spain, added the report.

While many European governments are tightening migration policies, Spain is diverging from this trend, recognising the contributions of migrant workers to its economic growth and job creation over the past year.

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Foreigners account for about 15.9% of Spain’s registered employed population, with many more working in the underground economy in roles such as fruit picking, cleaning, and elder care.

Facing a declining birth rate, Spain emphasizes the need for more legal migrants to support social security and pensions amidst demographic shifts.

While the country has ended partnerships with several African nations to curb irregular migration through perilous Mediterranean routes, it is also implementing measures to legalize the status of undocumented immigrants, most of whom entered legally from Latin America and overstayed their visas.

Foreigners account for about 15.9% of Spain’s registered employed population, with many more working in the underground economy in roles such as fruit picking, cleaning, and elder care.

Facing a declining birth rate, Spain emphasises the need for more legal migrants to support social security and pensions amidst demographic shifts.

While the country has ended partnerships with several African nations to curb irregular migration through perilous Mediterranean routes, it is also implementing measures to legalize the status of undocumented immigrants, most of whom entered legally from Latin America and overstayed their visas.

With inputs from agencies