The sharp increase in the number of foreign workers in Castilla y León could shift the balance in the region’s labor market. Over the past year, the number of registered foreigners rose by more than 12%, marking the most significant jump in recent years. This development is impacting the economy, reshaping the social fabric, and sparking fresh debates about the role of migrants in the life of the autonomous community.
In January, the average number of foreign nationals officially working in the region reached 96,843. That’s 10,503 more than a year earlier. Despite this growth, foreigners make up 9.86% of all workers in Castilla y León — lower than the national average, which exceeds 14%. However, in some provinces, the situation is quite different.
Provincial contrasts
Within the region, the differences between provinces are striking. In Segovia, the share of foreign workers reaches 16.74%, significantly higher than the national level. Soria and Burgos also stand out at 14.29% and 12.02%, respectively. In other provinces, the proportion of foreigners does not exceed 10%. For example, in Ávila it is 9.91%, Palencia 9.31%, and Valladolid 9.20%. The lowest rates are in Salamanca — 7.37% — and León — 7.81%.
In absolute numbers, Valladolid leads with 21,552 registered foreign workers, a 12.59% increase from last year. Burgos follows with 18,844, León with 13,150, Segovia with 11,055, and Salamanca with 9,614. Palencia, Soria, Ávila and Zamora have more modest figures, but some are experiencing impressive growth: Zamora, for instance, is up 20.24% over the year.
Annual growth and monthly decline
Despite impressive annual growth, January brought an unexpected decline. Compared to December, the number of foreign workers fell by 2.04%—that’s 2,016 people fewer. The exception was Zamora, where just two workers were added over the month, a symbolic 0.04% increase. All other provinces recorded drops: Segovia saw a decrease of 5.73%, Ávila by 4.43%, and Palencia by 2.43%. Even in Valladolid and Burgos, which typically experience stable growth, there was a reduction—down 1.11% and 0.83% respectively.
The gender breakdown is also noteworthy: among foreign workers, there are 54,440 men and 42,404 women. Most newcomers come from non-EU countries—66,118 people compared to 30,725 EU citizens. This highlights the diversity of migration flows and their impact on the region’s economy.
Trends and challenges
The situation in Castilla y León mirrors national trends, but with regional nuances. In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in the number of foreign workers, linked to demographic decline and labor shortages in certain sectors. However, fluctuations within the year, as January has shown, can be driven by seasonal factors, economic changes, or administrative barriers.
Similar trends have been observed in other regions of the country: Cataluña and Madrid have also recorded surges in the number of foreign workers, but with a more stable monthly dynamic. In Andalucía and Valencia, seasonal fluctuations are especially noticeable in agriculture and tourism. In Castilla y León, where industry and agriculture play a key role, such changes can have a significant impact on the economy and social sphere.
In recent years, the integration of foreign workers and their contribution to regional development has become a topic of discussion. Authorities and businesses are seeking a balance between labor market needs and social stability. Such spikes and drops, as seen in January, have sparked renewed debate about the future of labor migration in Spain.
