The high-level summit in Geneva highlights the Government of Spain's migration policy as an example of responsible and humane management

The Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, during her speech in the Council of the UN International Organization for Migration held in Geneva

There, the minister highlighted the need to promote regular migration channels as a response to global challenges, stressing that "orderly, regular and safe migration not only benefits migrants, but also boosts economic and social development in receiving communities."

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

During her intervention in the High Level Segment, Elma Saiz pointed to the recent approval of the new new Regulation on Foreigners as a fundamental milestone; "a new regulatory framework that represents a balance between the social and economic demands of the country and Spanish legal requirements, as well as European and international standards."

Minister Saiz pointed out that Spain shares the IOM's view that legal migratory channels are not only a key means of preventing irregular migration but also an instrument to protect migrants' rights and promote sustainable development.

Migration as a driver of economic and social development

The minister stressed that, for the Government of Spain, migration is an opportunity to take advantage of the talent and skills of migrants, connecting them with sectors facing labour shortages. In this regard, she mentioned that programmes such as the collective management of recruitment at origin (GECCO) have proven to be effective tools to ensure international labour mobility, strengthen bilateral links and foster sustainable development in countries of origin.

In 2024, Spain has consolidated strategic agreements with key partners in West Africa, Latin America and Morocco, which foresee the arrival of migrant workers for specific sectors. These initiatives include new memoranda signed with The Gambia, Mauritania and Honduras, which will bring 350 workers to Spain, as well as the strengthening of the historic relationship with Morocco, which will provide more than 4,000 workers in the next season.

Innovation and international cooperation

Elma Saiz highlighted the Government of Spain's efforts to develop innovative mechanisms to promote international labour mobility and skills development. 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 also highlighted pilot projects developed with countries such as Costa Rica and Morocco, within the framework of the Global Skills Alliances of the World Bank and the European Union.

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

A global vision and a call for joint action

The minister highlighted the value of the Spanish model, which is aligned with international frameworks, such as the Global Pact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, she 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 for all. This call cannot just be a debate, but a turning point.

Finally, she affirmed that Spain places its experience at the service of international cooperation, committing itself to leading - together with international organisations, partner countries and local communities - the effort to make migration a tool for economic and social progress, while always guaranteeing respect for human rights.

Non official translation