At the beginning of 2025, the Spanish government took an unexpected step by publishing a comprehensive report on the role of migrants in the country’s life. The report focused not only on economic indicators, but also on social aspects and the alarming rise of Islamophobia, especially online.
The document emphasizes that in recent years, around two million new residents have arrived in Spain, and this influx has not triggered a crisis. On the contrary, it has been accompanied by a notable decrease in unemployment and steady economic growth. Authorities point out that this experience sets Spain apart from many other European countries, where migration often becomes the subject of heated political debate.
Particular attention is given to debunking common myths about Muslim migrants. Contrary to popular belief, most newcomers do not live on social benefits—they are actively employed. Their employment rate is even higher than that of native Spaniards: 69.3% versus 56.4%. In some sectors, such as domestic work, migrants make up the overwhelming majority of workers. They also hold a significant share in construction and agriculture.
The report provides additional figures: foreigners contribute 10% of the social security system’s revenue, while expenses related to them account for only 1% of the total. According to estimates, the average migrant contributes €1,600 more to the budget annually than they receive in benefits. Moreover, the report refutes the myth that new arrivals immediately receive government assistance — to qualify, a legal status and compliance with a number of conditions are required.
The report notes that in 2025, tens of thousands of citizens from Colombia, Morocco, Venezuela, and Peru arrived in Spain. However, Muslims make up only a small portion of all migrants: only 2% of the country’s residents were born in Morocco, and most foreigners come from Latin America or other European countries.
Authorities also highlight rising xenophobia and Islamophobia on social media. In the first eight months of the year, more than 600,000 messages with signs of discrimination were recorded, though only a small fraction were removed by the platforms. The problem peaked in the summer, particularly in Murcia, where there was a surge in racist sentiment.
The document also dispels other stereotypes: Spain’s crime rate remains one of the lowest in Europe, and there is no trend toward radicalization or attempts to impose religious views among Muslim migrants. Moreover, religiosity is gradually declining among the children and grandchildren of migrants, and in terms of church attendance, they lag even behind Catholics.
The report highlights that discrimination based on faith and origin remains a serious issue: nearly a third of Muslim migrants have faced it in the past five years, while almost three-quarters of respondents experienced bias when searching for housing.
Overall, Spanish authorities emphasize the positive image of migration, highlighting its contribution to the economy and society, as well as the need to combat prejudice and misinformation, which are increasingly spreading online and in political debates.
