7 months ago
Spain opposes EU asylum centres outside bloc
Spain doesn't agree with some other European countries' idea to open camps for people seeking asylum outside the EU.
Instead, Spain wants to focus on stopping irregular migration before it happens.
Spain's government thinks migration is good for the economy and has been successful in reducing the number of people arriving irregularly.
They have been working with countries in West Africa to prevent dangerous boat journeys.
However, some human rights groups say that this support has led to abuses in countries like Mauritania.
Spain says they haven't seen any illegal actions and are working to improve their efforts in these countries.
Spain opposes EU plans for asylum centres outside the bloc, calling them 'no magic solution'.
Spain's leftist government treats migration as an economic asset and promotes legal immigration pathways.
Irregular arrivals to Spain fell 42% in 2023, while Italy's arrivals remained little changed.
Spain has increased its presence in West African nations to curb irregular migration.
Human rights groups allege abuses in Mauritania where Spanish police were allegedly present during abusive detentions.
- Who
- Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska
- What
- Spain's opposition to EU asylum centres outside the bloc
- Where
- Madrid, Spain
- When
- January 20, 2024
- Why
- Spain believes in focusing on curbing irregular migration at the source and sees the proposed centres as a 'no magic solution'
Key facts
- Country Opposing Plan
- Spain
- Proposed Plan
- Asylum centres outside EU
- Spain's Migration Policy
- Focus on curbing irregular migration at source
- Irregular Arrivals to Spain (2023)
- 36,000 (42% decrease from previous year)
- Irregular Arrivals to Italy (2023)
- 66,000 (little change from previous year)
- Spain's Strategy in West Africa
- Increased presence in Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia
- Migrant Arrivals to Canaries (2023)
- 62% decrease from 2022
Quotes
Fernando Grande-Marlaska
Spain's interior minister
“Spain had 'not seen any illegal action or action against refugees’ fundamental rights' and said Spain was working on beefing up its teams in Mauritania and Senegal and delivering more drones and vehicles to local forces.”
theprint.in
“External processing centres, such as Italy’s plan to detain migrants in Albania, were 'no magic solution' as they posed significant legal challenges and could strain relationships with third countries.”
theprint.in
