The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, during the meeting held with elderly migrants
This event is part of a series of initiatives promoted by the ministry to commemorate this date, proclaimed by the UN to pay tribute to the key role of migrants in global progress.
Minister Saiz described the meeting as "emotional" and had the opportunity to talk to older migrant men and women whose stories reflect the effort, dedication and overcoming of challenges of those who, in their day, decided to embark on the difficult path of migration in search of new opportunities. These people, who came to Spain in the hope of a better future, have been key figures in the economic, social and cultural development of the country.
A tribute to the tales of overcoming challenges
The day highlighted the life experiences of these people, from how they managed to integrate into the new society to their present situation, some of them now pensioners, in a country they came to feel as their own. In the dialogue with representatives of 14 associations of elderly immigrants, they explained the difficulties of the migration process and the importance of recognising the contribution of these people to Spanish society.
The Ministry of Inclusion today heard tales of how those who chose Spain as their home country overcame the challenges involved. This is the case of Dora, a Bolivian woman aged over 70 years, who arrived in Spain at the age of 23 and changed her profession from teacher to domestic worker: "In Spain I have done well, I am now self-employed, and I have a restaurant which I still run and work in".
Rosario, a Latin American woman, thanked the minister for creating a space in which to recognise the contribution of migration, expressing that "some of us migrants have grown older in Spain, and we share the same concerns as other elderly folk here. But we are stigmatised because we are women and migrants".
"Morocco is my father, and Spain is my mother. Nothing beats the affection for your mother", said Mohamed, a Moroccan who already feels Spanish, and who asked politicians not to exploit the fact of migration.
The minister highlighted the value of the event held today at the Ministry of Inclusion: "Racism and xenophobia are fought with empathy and a friendly ear, and today these people have given us a lesson in life that many would do well to listen to. I thank you for your commitment and generosity in coming here today".
This meeting is one of the activities organised by the Ministry of Inclusion to commemorate International Migrants Day. In addition to this event, the publication of the monthly report of the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE) was highlighted, which reveals that 30% of hate speech on social networks in November was directed at migrants, underlining the importance of continuing the fight against racism and xenophobia.
Reality beyond the numbers
Spain is currently home to 7.5 million foreigners (according to the latest INE data), of whom around 654,000 are over 65 years of age, and more than half are women, 56%. These older migrants, 7% of the foreign population in the country, are an essential part of Spanish society. However, beyond the figures, this meeting highlighted the human and social value of each of these people.
A relevant fact is that more than 2,300 people over 60 years of age are in the International and Temporary Protection Reception System, particularly from countries such as Ukraine, Venezuela and Colombia. In this case, these are very vulnerable people, refugees fleeing their countries due to various life-threatening circumstances.
In the Social Security system, around 150,000 foreigners receive pensions because of their contribution to the system during their working life in Spain. This underlines the valuable contribution of migrants to the sustainability of the pension system and the economy in general.
Furthermore, according to the latest Social Security statistics, there are 2.9 million workers of more than 900 nationalities living, working and paying contributions in Spain. These are migrants who have chosen our country to develop their professional careers or who have opted to live in Spain.
Exhibition "Fleeing misery"
On the occasion of this celebration, the ministry also inaugurated the exhibition "Fleeing misery. The Spanish seasonal workers in Europe", which recalls the history of Spanish migration in the past, when our ancestors emigrated in search of better living conditions in countries such as Sweden, Switzerland and France. The exhibition, which can be visited at the ministry's headquarters, brings together testimonies of people who were part of labour migration movements in Europe during the 20th century.
The minister recalled that Spain was a country of emigrants and that this is something that should form part of the memory of a democratic country where "many people sought a future and a present, a decent life for their families. 2025 marks 50 years of freedom and a democratic country must have a memory".
Commitment of the Ministry of Inclusion
The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration remains committed to the inclusion and integration of migrants, promoting initiatives that make visible their positive impact on our society, and working to ensure their rights and well-being.
On this International Migrants Day, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to migrants, recognising their efforts, dedication and key role in building a more diverse, supportive and inclusive society.
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