Immigration Spain

percentage distribution of foreign population in spain in 2005

according spanish government there 5.7 million foreign residents in spain in 2011, or 12% of total population. according residence permit data 2011, more 860,000 romanian, 770,000 moroccan, approximately 390,000 british, , 360,000 ecuadorian. other sizeable foreign communities colombian, bolivian, german, italian, bulgarian, , chinese. there more 200,000 migrants sub-saharan africa living in spain, principally senegaleses , nigerians. since 2000, spain has experienced high population growth result of immigration flows, despite birth rate half replacement level. sudden , ongoing inflow of immigrants, particularly arriving illegally sea, has caused noticeable social tension.

within eu, spain had 2nd highest immigration rate in percentage terms after cyprus, great margin, highest in absolute numbers, 2008. number of immigrants in spain had grown 500,000 people in 1996 5.2 million in 2008 out of total population of 46 million. in 2005 alone, regularisation programme increased legal immigrant population 700,000 people. there number of reasons high level of immigration, including spain s cultural ties latin america, geographical position, porosity of borders, large size of underground economy , strength of agricultural , construction sectors, demand more low cost labour can offered national workforce.

another statistically significant factor large number of residents of eu origin typically retiring spain s mediterranean coast. in fact, spain europe s largest absorber of migrants 2002 2007, immigrant population more doubling 2.5 million people arrived. in 2008, prior onset of economic crisis, financial times reported spain favoured destination western europeans considering move own country , seeking jobs elsewhere in eu.

in 2008, government instituted plan of voluntary return encouraged unemployed immigrants outside eu return home countries , receive several incentives, including right keep unemployment benefits , transfer whatever contributed spanish social security. programme had little effect; during first 2 months, 1,400 immigrants took offer. programme failed do, sharp , prolonged economic crisis has done 2010 2011 in tens of thousands of immigrants have left country due lack of jobs. in 2011 alone, more half million people left spain. first time in decades net migration rate expected negative, , 9 out of 10 emigrants foreigners.