Approximately 80% of immigrants residing in Spain lack academic qualifications.
Here are the main points to note:
- Approximately 80% of immigrants in Spain lack a university degree.
- The limited educational qualifications among immigrants are causing worries about Spain's economic prospects.
- Spain is experiencing a brain drain, with more Spaniards, particularly students, opting to move abroad.
Spain stands out among European Union nations as a popular destination for immigrants seeking better opportunities. However, recent concerns have emerged regarding the educational backgrounds of these immigrants, as data reveals that approximately 80 percent lack formal qualifications. El Mundo reports that Spain ranks second among EU countries with the highest immigrant populations. Despite this, only around 23.1 percent of immigrants in Spain hold university degrees and are thus qualified for skilled positions.
The largest group of immigrants with low educational attainment in Spain originates from Africa, according to data from the non-profit organization Funcas. Merely six percent of African immigrants in Spain hold university degrees. Similarly, immigrants from Latin American countries account for 31 percent of those with at most secondary education. Of these, only 24 percent have obtained university degrees. Authorities are concerned that these education statistics will negatively impact Spain's economy, as reported by El Mundo. The Bank of Spain warns that without prompt action, these imbalances could become unresolved issues. In 2023, 80 percent of immigrants in Spain lacked university degrees, with approximately 70 percent employed in unskilled positions.
While immigrants play a crucial role in counteracting Spain's aging population and filling various job vacancies, Bank of Spain Director General Economics, Statistics, and Research, Ángel Gavilán, emphasizes that the current flow of immigrants does not address the issue due to their lack of qualifications. Moreover, Spain faces the challenge of qualified Spaniards emigrating to other countries, particularly university students, who accounted for 60 percent of emigrants in 2022. Gavilán expresses concern over the country losing talent while simultaneously witnessing an influx of unqualified immigrants, warning that this trend could result in significant shortages across different sectors.