'Pateras' bring immigrants to Spain from northern Africa

In an effort to bring illegal immigrants into the state system, the government plans to make it easier for them to get residence permits.

The idea behind this is to stop so-called 'clandestinos' (illegal immigrants) working in the black economy and to get them to pay taxes and social security.

The exact size of the black in economy in Spain is not known though estimates put the number working outside the law at 800,000.

It ranks as one of the main reasons immigrants chose to come to Spain; they can disappear more easily than if they were in Britain or France and find work relatively easily. 

At the same time, Spain has one of the lowest birth-rates in Europe and a growing population of pensioners.

Commentators of varying political persuasions have said the country needs more immigrants to pay social security and taxes in order that the State can support the elderly.

They also claim these people are essential to do the jobs many Spaniards regard as below them, despite an unemployment level of 10 percent.

But knowing that welcoming more immigrants into the system might have serious social and political repercussions, prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has sought to strike a deal with business leaders and the unions to ensure these changes are accepted.

Jesus Caldera, the minister for work and social affairs, has agreed a deal with the CEOE, the confederation of Spanish businesses and the two biggest unions, the UGT and the CC OO. 

The new Foreigners' Law

From today (7 February), the Socialist government's reform of the existing Foreigners' Law comes in to action.

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