In Catalonia, the population has grown by 2.1 million over the past 25 years. This has not only transformed the economy but also impacted housing availability, employment, and the social climate. Experts from Cercle d’Economia warn that without a clear migration policy, the region risks facing serious challenges in the future.
According to El Pais, economists note that the influx of migrants supports GDP growth but also increases pressure on infrastructure and social services. Migration in Catalonia is occurring faster than the European average, creating tensions in cities and the labor market. The organization’s report emphasizes that unless the approach to welcoming newcomers changes, the situation could spiral out of control.
Economic challenges
Catalonia’s labor market is already feeling the effects of a large influx of new workers. On one hand, migrants help address labor shortages caused by an aging population. On the other, the expanding workforce leads to lower wages, particularly among low-skilled local residents. This intensifies competition for jobs and fuels discontent among native Catalans.
The Cercle d’Economia report states that the previous model based on low productivity and cheap labor no longer works. Economists suggest shifting strategy: focus on skilled professionals and limit the overall flow of migrants. In their view, this approach will help maintain a balance between economic growth and social stability.
Social tension
Mass migration affects not only the economy, but also daily life. Population growth puts additional pressure on schools, hospitals, and transport. The shortage of affordable housing is particularly acute. This leads to rising prices and fuels social discontent. As a result, competition for limited resources intensifies between locals and newcomers.
The report notes that such processes create fertile ground for political conflicts. The rise in popularity of parties opposing migration is directly linked to the lack of effective solutions from authorities. For example, Spain has already seen cases where political disagreements over migration have led to emergency measures, as happened during debates on the legalization of migrants amid political disputes.
The need for change
Cercle d’Economia experts emphasize that Spain has yet to develop a long-term migration strategy. Most decisions are made in response to crises rather than as part of a well-considered policy. The recent mass legalization of migrants, initiated by Pedro Sánchez’s government, was a forced move that failed to address underlying systemic issues.
The report suggests not only regulating migration flows but also focusing on integration. Proficiency in Catalan and embracing democratic values are seen as key conditions for successfully including new residents into society. According to the authors, this approach will help preserve the region’s cultural identity and reduce the risk of conflicts.
Context and implications
In recent years, Spain has been facing new migration challenges. The rapid increase in arrivals is affecting all areas of life—from education to healthcare. Other regions of the country are also discussing measures to limit migrant inflows and raise qualification requirements. Such debates are gaining urgency amid demographic changes and political instability. In the coming years, migration will remain one of the main issues nationwide.
