Today, the Catalan government underscored the critical role of immigration in sustaining the region's economy, with Social Rights and Inclusion Minister Raül Moreno stating that people born abroad now represent more than a quarter of Catalonia's workforce. Speaking at the closing of a migration conference held at Barcelona’s Born cultural centre, Moreno described immigration as a 'structural piece' of Catalonia’s economic and social fabric.

According to data cited by Moreno, foreign-born individuals account for over 25% of employment in Catalonia and have filled the majority of new jobs created in recent years. This trend aligns with broader demographic shifts: since 2018, Catalonia has recorded more deaths than births, a negative natural balance offset by population growth driven by international migration. The region's population has risen from six to eight million over the past 25 years, with migration playing a decisive role.

Moreno highlighted the importance of migrants in key sectors including hospitality, construction, and food processing. He also stressed their vital contribution to care services, warning that without migrant workers, Catalonia would struggle to meet the needs of its ageing population and people with disabilities.

The minister called for policies that ensure quality jobs, labour rights, professional recognition, and access to Catalan language training. Around 50,000 new beginner-level Catalan language places have been launched to support integration. 'It is more difficult to unite than to divide,' Moreno said, urging society to resist discriminatory narratives and hate speech, which he described as 'probably the most lethal virus in our societies.'

Regularisation Boosts Social Security

Moreno also welcomed the outcomes of Spain’s extraordinary migrant regularisation process, noting that Catalonia has received over 257,000 applications, nearly one-fifth of the national total. Of those regularised, more than 83,000 are now contributing to Social Security, and nearly 17,000 have registered with the Catalan Public Employment Service (SOC). Thousands have already found employment, he added.

He rejected claims that Catalonia cannot absorb further population growth, arguing that taxes and contributions from regularised migrants strengthen the welfare state. 'We do not see access to public resources as a pie that gets divided and runs out,' Moreno said.

Next Phase: Stability and Integration

Looking ahead, the minister identified 'post-regularisation' as the next challenge, calling for stable documentation and smoother renewal of permits. Administrative support must be maintained to prevent people from falling back into irregular status, he said.

Priorities include labour market integration, dual vocational training, and professional skills accreditation. Without recognition of qualifications and experience, skilled migrants risk underemployment, Moreno warned. He reiterated that language learning and anti-discrimination efforts are essential to social cohesion.

The people who migrate don’t just come to Catalonia, they are Catalonia and help build it.

The conference, titled 'A Global Perspective, a National Response', was opened by Equality and Feminism Minister Eva Menor, who echoed the need for a humane and pragmatic approach to migration. 'Data show immigration is today an important part of our economic and social progress,' she said, adding that migrants contribute to economic growth and job creation.

Experts, business leaders, and trade unions also took part in discussions on labour market needs and integration policies. Participants included representatives from Foment del Treball, PIMEC, CCOO, and UGT, alongside international migration specialists such as former Spanish Migration State Secretary Anna Terrón and Migration Policy Institute president Andrew Selee.

Reported by racocatala.cat, fundacioacsar.org, ccoo.cat, Racó Català.