Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Thursday that Spain’s approach to immigration should serve as an example for the rest of Europe, arguing that it has strengthened economic growth and increased public revenues.
At a time when many European governments have moved to restrict migration amid pressure from right-wing parties, Spain has instead promoted regulated, legal immigration while maintaining controls against irregular entry.
The government has expanded legal pathways allowing migrants to live and work in the country, alongside tighter border policing and efforts to curb undocumented arrivals.
According to Sánchez, migration has driven around 80% of Spain’s economic expansion over the past six years and now contributes roughly 10% of social security income. ALSO READ: ‘We owe a lot to them’ – Sánchez hails benefits of ‘safe, orderly, regular migration’.
‘Spain will continue to defend a migration model that works, one that works for Spain and could also help awaken an ageing Europe,’ the socialist (PSOE) leader said while addressing a meeting of Spanish ambassadors in Madrid. A full transcript of his speech (in Spanish) can be found by clicking here.
‘Our model works. There is no so called ‘pull effect’,’ Sánchez added, dismissing claims that Spain’s policies encourage irregular migration.
Data from the interior ministry show that undocumented arrivals dropped by 42.6% in 2025 compared with the previous year, falling to 36,775. The decline was mainly driven by a sharp reduction in crossings along the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. ALSO READ: Irregular migration to Spain dropped by over 40% in 2025.
Spain has also signed cooperation agreements with several African countries that are major sources of irregular migration, aimed at dismantling people-smuggling networks. ALSO READ: Spanish government unveils 3-year strategy to boost ties with Africa.
The country — the European Union’s fourth-largest economy — has outperformed many of its peers since 2021, buoyed by tourism, relatively low energy costs, domestic demand and foreign investment. ALSO READ: Mauritania and Spain pledge cooperation on migration and to combat people smuggling.
The government estimates that the economy grew by 2.9% in 2025, more than twice the average forecast for the euro zone. ALSO READ: Bank of Spain lifts growth forecast, but household finances remain under pressure.
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