Difficulties for Foreign Workers Highlighted at Fuerteventura Event
Obtaining residency and work permits in the Canary Islands remains challenging, with administrative delays complicating the situation for both foreigners and employers. This issue was discussed during an interview with Sandra Santana Trujillo and Yeray Castellano from the Official College of Social Graduates of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, held in connection with the third Foreigners Conference on 29 October in Puerto del Rosario.
A key issue raised was the plight of foreign individuals who need employment to regularise their residency status. Santana, an expert in immigration matters, highlighted that many face irregular employment situations as they end up working informally while attempting to meet administrative requirements.
She explained that processes like the pre-employment contract could commit a company to hire an individual once they obtain the necessary authorisation. However, companies must also meet specific economic and administrative criteria to legally employ foreign workers, with penalties for non-compliance.
The Extraordinary Regularisation Process of 2026, which saw applications close on 30 June, was another significant topic. This initiative aimed to assist foreign nationals present in Spain before 1 January 2026, who could prove they had been continuously residing in the country for at least five months. By 2 July, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration recorded 1,174,978 applications, with 609,737 already processed.
Castellano raised concerns about managing such a high volume of applications and noted that some applicants, despite submitting their documentation on time, were still awaiting the necessary administrative responses to begin working.
The interview also touched on the complexities surrounding the renewal of work and residency permits, with Santana indicating that many applications face issues related to work history, contributions, and required documentation.
Discussing how foreign workers enter the Spanish labour market, the pair mentioned various pathways that can be complicated by specific conditions, such as difficult-to-fill job vacancies, international agreements, student visas, and permits for highly skilled professionals.
Addressing the need for foreign workers in the Canary Islands, Castellano emphasised that recruitment from abroad is essential to meet the demands of various sectors, including hospitality and even skilled occupations, urging a balanced approach to hiring that considers both business needs and migrant circumstances. He remarked on the historic migration trends from the Canary Islands to countries like Cuba and Venezuela, arguing that legislation should evolve to reflect current social and labour realities.
The interview ultimately highlighted the vital roles of social graduates in managing immigration, employment relationships, and the ongoing need for professional training to navigate changing regulations. The conference featured speakers including Carlos Mora Almudí, a former director general of migration; Francisco Javier Durán Ruiz, head of the Almería Office of Foreigners; and César Tolosa Tribiño, a constitutional magistrate.
