Elma Saiz presents the first works of the Regulation on Citizenship Abroad to the Spanish community in France

The Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, with a group of Spanish residents in France

France, with 310,072 registered Spaniards, is the second largest Spanish community in the world after Argentina (482,176), according to the INE's Register of Spaniards Resident Abroad (PERE).

Saiz conveyed the "important milestone" represented by this new regulation, which will improve the protection of Spaniards abroad and of those who decide to return to Spain. The regulation will facilitate and streamline procedures, reduce bureaucracy, strengthen social and economic support for residents abroad and encourage greater participation of migrant society, among other aspects.

"Spain was an emigrant country, and it is important not to forget that. Many Spaniards came here to France fleeing from our country because of its proximity and friendly reception. This link makes the Spanish community in France the second largest in the world, after Argentina. That is why it is important you feel this new regulation we are going to promote is yours; we want to listen to your ideas and contributions," said Saiz at a meeting in Paris.

In this regard, the prior consultation process for the Regulation has been open since Monday 10 February. The aim is to gather the opinion of the migrant population, associations and organisations before launching the policy process. Contributions can be made until 25 February, via a form.

"An innovative regulation"

Minister Saiz explained that this measure complies with article 42 of the Spanish Constitution, which guarantees the rights of residents abroad. "Law 40/2006 laid the foundations, but this innovative regulation will incorporate measures developed and adapted to the current reality, while extending the instruments of protection and assistance to migrant citizens".

It will include improvements in obtaining the returnee migrant certificate, which can be requested telematically and must be issued within a maximum period of three months. It will improve access to unemployment benefits for returning residents who have worked for at least 12 months in the last six years.

It will also reinforce health care both abroad - through the strengthening of agreements between Spain and other countries - and in Spain, facilitating and simplifying access to Spanish public health care.

The Spanish Return Office will be created to facilitate access to information and procedures for those who wish to return to Spain, while the digitalisation of procedures will be promoted.

Support for centres and associations of Spaniards abroad will be increased, while the participation of young people in these forums will be encouraged, with the aim of involving them in emigrant organisations.

Vulnerable migrant population

The new regulation will also provide greater protection for particularly vulnerable groups, such as people over 65 or women who are victims of gender violence. In the latter case, victims may receive assistance in the country of residence or facilities to return to Spain. Children of victims of violence will also receive protection, even if the mother does not have Spanish nationality.

A Spanish Emigration Memory Centre will be set up, with the aim of highlighting the heritage of the people who had to emigrate outside Spain during the different stages of its history.

"Migration is not a phenomenon, it is a reality that Spaniards have been involved in throughout our history. That is why, as Minister for Migration, it is an honour to present to you the main lines of this new regulation, with which we are going to update the policy of protection of our fellow citizens abroad and facilitate the return to Spain of those people who wish to return", said Saiz.

Non official translation