Tenerife South Becomes Spain’s First Airport to Activate EU Biometric Entry/Exit System
Midnight Rescue Brings 250 Migrants Ashore on El Hierro
Cantabria Files Court Challenge Against Orders to Receive Two Migrant Minors from the Canaries
Latest News
Spanish Authorities Finalise 140 Transfer Files for Unaccompanied Minors from the Canaries to Mainland Regions
The Spanish Government’s Canary Islands Delegation has completed 140 case files authorising the relocation of unaccompanied migrant minors to mainland Spain under Royal Decree 658/2025. The move eases pressure on island shelters and channels €110 million in support funds to host regions. Employers should watch for parallel rule-changes that automatically grant work rights to former minors in training programmes.
Spanish Delegate Backs Phased Roll-Out of EU Entry/Exit System at Andorra Border
Carlos Prieto, Spain’s delegate in Catalonia, confirmed that EES biometric border checks with Andorra will start pilot operations in February 2026 and be fully live in April, with exemptions for EU and Andorran residents. The phased roll-out aims to minimise disruption and dovetails with Andorra’s tighter documentation rules for seasonal workers.
Aena warns Senate amendments threaten €10 billion airport-upgrade plan and traveller experience
Airport operator Aena says Senate amendments to the Sustainable Mobility Law—freezing charges for 2027-2031—would force a rethink of its €10 billion investment plan for 48 airports. The company warns that capacity expansions and biometric border upgrades crucial to business travel could be delayed, urging Congress to reverse the changes.
OECD Migration Outlook places Spain in global top-5 after record 368,000 arrivals
OECD’s Migration Outlook 2025 shows Spain accepted 368,000 new permanent immigrants in 2024, ranking fifth across the developed world. Foreign workers now explain a large share of Spain’s post-pandemic growth, but the OECD urges faster qualification recognition and integration measures. Businesses should expect continued reliance on international recruitment as demographic pressures persist.
Madrid conference marks 40 years of EU membership and Spain’s migration-policy transformation
The EMN Spain national conference, held in Madrid on 5 November, reviewed Spain’s evolution from emigrant source to major immigrant destination since joining the EU in 1986. Officials, businesses and NGOs debated border-control digitalisation, skills shortages and integration gaps, signalling regulatory and practical changes mobility teams must track ahead of the 2026 EES launch.
Spain’s digital-nomad visa tops new European guide as remote-worker favourite
A 5 November pan-European visa guide names Spain’s digital-nomad visa the best in Europe, citing long validity, fast processing and favourable tax treatment. Companies can leverage the scheme to base remote talent in Spain but should plan for consular appointment delays and post-arrival paperwork.