Future Brits planning a move to Spain might want to start brushing up on their Spanish.
The President of Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, has backed his party’s flagship proposal to introduce a points-based visa system, which will include knowledge of the language.
Speaking on Onda Cero radio, Moreno, from the conservative Partido Popular (PP), argued that immigration must be ‘regulated and planned’.
He admitted that Spain needs migrant workers in construction, agriculture and transport, but said Spain must also ensure ‘integration through language and respect for constitutional values’.
Inspired by Australia and Canada
PP leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo this week called for a points-based visa system inspired by countries such as Australia and Canada.
Moreno said the proposal by the PP would be fine-tuned in October to ensure ‘the maximum success’, insisting current policy amounts to ‘disorderly immigration’ due to weak border controls and poor enforcement of deportations.
The language requirement would be part of the points-based visa system. Once ready, the proposal will have to be put forward for parliamentary debate and a series of votes before becoming law – in a process that can take as little as five months (but typically longer for controversial bills).
The PP will face a tough task getting it over the line given they are in opposition and lack a majority in parliament – although Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s majority is wafer thin at just four.
However, they will have a much better chance if they win the next general election in 2027.
Spain ‘needs migrants’
Moreno distanced himself from Vox’s hardline rhetoric, stressing that Spain cannot afford to shut the door entirely on immigration.
With one of Europe’s lowest birth rates and persistent labour shortages, he argued that migrant labour is essential – but must be carefully managed.
Subsidies risk fuelling resentment
Citing data from the Tax Agency, Moreno claimed that 552,000 foreigners in Spain receive some form of social income without having previously worked, including 120,000 who collect the Ingreso Minimo Vital (equivalent of Britain’s Universal Credit) without ever contributing to social security.
He warned that this could draw migrants to Spain primarily to access subsidies – and risk fuelling resentment among vulnerable Spaniards, potentially pushing support towards populist or extremist parties.
How will the system work?
According to PP deputy Alma Ezcurra, prospective immigrants would be scored on a series of criteria – with only those meeting the threshold being granted a residency visa. The six main factors identified so far are:
- Education and training
- Work experience
- Spanish language skills
- Age
- Ability to cover labour shortages
- Links with country of origin
Ezcurra stressed the list is ‘expandable’ and that the details – such as how many points each factor carries – are still being hammered out.
Targeted sectors
The PP wants to prioritise labour for industries currently struggling with shortages, including:
- Housing construction
- Transport
- Agriculture
- Health
- Care work
These sectors would be reviewed annually to reflect changes in the economy.
What about irregular migration?
Crucially, the points system would only apply to legal migration. It does nothing to address the tens of thousands already in Spain without papers – an issue the UK also struggles with.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
