La cumbre de alto nivel de Ginebra destaca la política migratoria del Gobierno de España como ejemplo de gestión responsable y humana

The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, participated on Tuesday in the Council of the International Organization of Migration, of the UN, in Geneva. He stressed the need to promote regular migration channels in response to global challenges, noting that “orderly, regular and safe migration not only benefits migrants, but also boosts economic and social development in host communities.”

The Council was chaired by the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who highlighted Spain during her speech as an example of responsible and humane management of migration, opting for complementary routes to resettlement and the fight against mafias.

During his speech in the High Level segment, Elma Saiz pointed out as a fundamental milestone the recent approval of the new Regulation on Foreigners, "A new regulatory framework that represents a balance between the social and economic demands of the country and Spanish legal requirements, and European and international standards".

Minister Saiz noted that Spain shares IOM’s vision that legal migration routes are not only a key means of preventing irregular migration but also an instrument to protect migrants’ rights and promote sustainable development.

Migration as an engine of economic and social development

The minister stressed that, for the Spanish Government, migration is an opportunity to take advantage of the talent and capacities of migrants, connecting them with sectors facing labor shortages. In this regard, he mentioned that programs such as Collective Management of Recruitment at Origin (GECCO) have proven to be effective tools to guarantee international labor mobility, strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable development in the countries of origin.

In 2024, Spain has consolidated strategic agreements with key partners in West Africa, Latin America and Morocco, which provide for the arrival of migrant workers for specific sectors. These initiatives include new memorandums signed with Gambia, Mauritania and Honduras, through which 350 workers will arrive in Spain, as well as the strengthening of the historical relationship with Morocco, which will contribute more than 4,000 workers in the next campaign.

Innovation and international cooperation

Elma Saiz has highlighted the efforts of the Government of Spain in the development of innovative mechanisms that promote international labour mobility and the development of skills. These efforts are aligned with global initiatives such as the Secure Mobility Offices, the trilateral agreement with the United States, Canada, UNHCR and IOM, and the Job in Spain platform, designed to facilitate access to the Spanish labour market for refugees and skilled migrants.

The minister has also highlighted pilot projects developed with countries such as Costa Rica and Morocco, within the framework of the World Bank and the European Union’s Global Alliances of Competences.

As a complement to the initiatives and agreements deployed, Saiz has announced that the Government of Spain is finalizing a National Plan for Integration and Intercultural Coexistence. This plan will have resources to promote the labor, educational and social integration of foreigners, contributing to social cohesion.

A Global Vision and a Call for Joint Action

The minister has highlighted the Spanish model, aligned with international frameworks, such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, it has reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Saiz concluded by calling for joint action: “Only by working together can we design a global migration system that is safe, inclusive and beneficial to all. This call cannot just be a debate, but a turning point.”

Finally, he said that Spain puts its experience at the service of international cooperation, committing itself to leading, together with international agencies, partner countries and local communities, the effort to make migration a tool of economic and social progress, always guaranteeing respect for human rights.