Dominican migration to Spain is second to migration to the United States. Now, recent changes to Spain’s immigration law will allow thousands more Dominicans to work and reside in that country legally.
The Spanish government recently approved amendments to its immigration law to address obstacles to foreigners legalizing their status. The changes make it easier for foreigners living in Spain to regularize their status and for employers to hire foreigners that already live in Spain.
One of the main beneficiaries of the reform will be foreign students enrolled in Spanish higher learning centers. More Dominicans on scholarships study in Spain than in any other country worldwide.
Until now, those who had a student visa to study, for example, a degree at a Spanish university, could not work to help pay for their studies. The new rules now allow foreign students to work up to 30 hours a week legally. In addition, once the students complete their studies, they will be able to stay another year in Spain without requesting an extension of their stay. Nearly one in four foreign undergraduate students in Spain come from Latin American and Caribbean countries, increasing this proportion to about 64% of master’s students and about 53% of doctoral students.
While the amendment makes life a lot easier for countless irregular immigrants, it is also deemed good for the Spanish economy. The new legislation also makes it easier for foreigners to obtain work visas. As reported, the changes are an attempt to make up for staff shortages in many sectors across Spain. The idea is that these workers would join the transport, agriculture, hotel and construction industries which are currently all struggling to find staff.
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Diario Libre
Balcells Group
Immigration Spain
Dominicans in Spain
11 August 2022