While much of Europe tightens borders, Spain stands apart. With 6.5 million foreign-born residents—13.7% of its population—Spain is both a success story and a cautionary tale. In 2024, over 63,000 migrants arrived irregularly, and the government prepared to regularise 300,000 undocumented workers. Yet more than 10,000 people died attempting to reach Spanish shores that year—an average of 30 deaths per day. The question is urgent: is immigration Spain’s salvation, or an unsustainable burden?
Demographic Shift
Spain’s foreign-born population has grown from 1.5 million in 2000 to 6.5 million in 2025. The largest groups include Moroccans (870,000), Romanians (800,000), Colombians, Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, Chinese (230,000), and 190,000 Ukrainians. British residents total around 300,000, many retirees.
In Q1 2025 alone, Spain recorded 39,800 new Colombians, 25,900 Ukrainians, and 25,900 Moroccans. Between 2022 and 2024, immigration accounted for nearly all of Spain’s one million population increase, as birth rates remain among Europe’s lowest at 1.19 children per woman.
Despite headlines, 94% of migrants over the past decade arrived legally, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The Border Crisis
Irregular migration remains deadly. In 2024, 63,970 migrants arrived irregularly—73% via the Canary Islands, the world’s deadliest migration route. At least 10,457 people died trying to reach Spain, 9,757 of them on Atlantic crossings. Boats called “cayucos” carry migrants from Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, and Gambia—over 1,500 km of open sea, often without shade, water, or navigation.
A December 2024 shipwreck off Morocco killed at least 69 people. The Atlantic route has surged due to tighter controls in the Mediterranean, forcing migrants into longer, more dangerous paths. Smugglers charge €1,000–€3,000 per person.
The Canary Islands, home to 2.2 million people, received 46,843 migrants in 2024. Emergency shelters are overcrowded, and local services are stretched thin.
Economic Contributions
Immigration has driven Spain’s economic growth. From 2000 to 2023, immigrants contributed 50% of GDP growth. The Bank of Spain estimates immigration fuelled 20% of per capita growth between 2022 and 2024. In 2024, Spain’s economy grew 3%, outpacing the EU.
Immigrants fill 80% of new jobs in hospitality, agriculture, and construction. They contribute around €13 billion annually in social security and use fewer benefits than native Spaniards. Spain’s ageing population and low birth rate mean immigration is essential to sustain pensions and workforce levels. By 2050, economists say Spain will need 250,000–300,000 new immigrants yearly.
The Sánchez Strategy
In 2024, Sánchez’s government introduced a regularisation plan for 300,000 undocumented workers over three years. It simplifies residency for workers in sectors facing shortages and supports circular migration deals with countries like Senegal and Colombia.
While far-right parties oppose the move, polls show 60–65% of Spaniards view immigration positively or neutrally. The plan aims to formalise labour, reduce exploitation, and boost tax contributions.
Path Forward
Spain’s challenge is balancing economic need with humanitarian urgency. Legal pathways must expand. Investment in integration—housing, education, language—is crucial. EU burden-sharing is needed, but politically difficult.
The stakes are high. Spain’s model offers hope for humane, pragmatic immigration policy—but the cost in lives remains unacceptably high.