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Immigrants do not harm Spanish jobs or wages, studies confirm
Immigration in Spain has become a polarizing topic in recent years, fueled by political rhetoric and sensationalized narratives. However, mounting evidence from economic studies debunks claims that immigrants take jobs from Spaniards or depress wages, challenging widespread misconceptions.
The rise of immigration myths
Recent events, such as unrest in Torre-Pacheco, Murcia, and the rising influence of the far-right party Vox, have brought immigration to the forefront of public debate. Vox’s controversial rhetoric, including calls to deport millions of foreigners, has added fuel to claims that immigrants undermine Spain's labor market.
Yet, research consistently shows that these assertions are largely unfounded. A 2024 study by Spain's Foundation for Applied Economic Studies (Fedea) highlights how immigration has minimal impact on native employment and wages, contrary to popular belief.
Debunking the claims
Raquel Carrasco, an economics professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, notes in her report Some reflections on the phenomenon of immigration in Spain: Social perception versus real effects that public concerns about immigration are often shaped by misinformation. According to Carrasco, "There is no evidence to support the claim that the arrival of immigrants harms the employment opportunities of natives."
Data from the Work Permit Register and census records indicate that employment opportunities for Spaniards remain largely unaffected by immigration. In some cases, immigration has been linked to increased productivity and specialization, benefitting the labor market as a whole.
Similarly, Ismael Gálvez, a professor at the University of the Balearic Islands, found in his study Immigration and the labour market: review and evidence for Spain that immigration’s impact on wages and employment is "small or insignificant." Gálvez highlights that while unskilled workers may face limited competition, immigration has not caused widespread job losses or wage reductions.
The nuanced impact on low-skilled workers
Both studies acknowledge that immigration can have localized effects on certain sectors, particularly those requiring low-skilled labor. In these cases, downward pressure on wages and job availability may occur. However, these impacts are often attributed to exploitative practices by employers rather than the immigrants themselves.
Even in these instances, the adverse effects are limited in magnitude, with broader economic benefits outweighing the challenges. Immigration has been found to boost labor productivity, fill labor shortages, and enhance the overall efficiency of Spain’s production system.
Immigration’s contribution to Spain’s economy
Spain’s immigrant population has grown rapidly, from 4.4 million in 2015 to 6.9 million in 2025. Experts argue that this increase is essential for addressing demographic challenges, such as an aging population and the need to sustain the pensions system.
Research also shows that immigration contributes to GDP per capita growth, with immigrants playing a critical role in sectors where labor demand exceeds local supply. By fostering economic expansion, immigration supports overall well-being and employment growth for native workers.
A call for informed debate
Despite the evidence, immigration remains a divisive issue in Spain. Public perception often overestimates the proportion of immigrants, their unemployment rates, and their reliance on social benefits. Addressing these misperceptions is crucial for fostering a more informed and balanced discussion.
Ultimately, as Carrasco and Gálvez’s research demonstrate, immigration in Spain is not a threat to local jobs or wages. Instead, it offers opportunities for economic growth, productivity, and a more dynamic workforce, with challenges confined to specific sectors and mitigated by proper regulation and oversight.