Spain Completes 2025 Refugee Resettlement Plan and Boosts Local Integration Efforts
Spain has finalized its 2025 National Resettlement Plan, welcoming over 800 refugees while local councils like Bilbao's enhance migrant integration and participation efforts.
- • Spain welcomed over 800 refugees in 2025, reaching 70% of its target under the National Resettlement Plan.
- • The International Organization for Migration coordinated the transfers, ensuring safe resettlement mainly from Syria and Nicaragua.
- • A labor mobility pathway brought 44 migrants from Central and South America for employment opportunities in Spain.
- • Bilbao's Local Council of Immigration added six new associations to promote democratic participation and intercultural inclusion.
- • City councilor Iñigo Zubizarreta highlighted the council's role in fostering a humane and inclusive city environment.
Key details
Spain has successfully completed its 2025 National Resettlement Plan, welcoming over 800 refugees this year, including a recent group of 37 Nicaraguan refugees who arrived in Madrid from Costa Rica. The plan, approved by the Spanish Council of Ministers in December 2024, aimed to resettle a total of 860 refugees, achieving 70% of this target through 22 organized transfers. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) played a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts, working closely with Spanish ministries and international organizations to ensure a safe and dignified reception process. The resettled refugees primarily came from Syria and Nicaragua, with 364 refugees from Syria and 496 from Nicaragua.
Beyond resettlement, integration into local communities remains a critical priority. Refugees are supported to build autonomous lives with access to rights and opportunities in Spain. Complementing the resettlement plan, a labor mobility pathway has also enabled 44 individuals from Central and South America to enter Spain for employment, reinforcing the country's commitment to international protection and solidarity.
Local initiatives further support refugee and migrant integration. In Bilbao, the Local Council of Immigration expanded its membership, incorporating six new associations to bring the total to 31. This council aims to promote the active, democratic participation of migrant groups in municipal migration policies. During its second annual plenary session on December 16, the council reviewed various empowerment and anti-racism projects, as well as intercultural competency initiatives conducted in collaboration with the University of Deusto. City councilor for Human Rights, Iñigo Zubizarreta, emphasized the council's essential role in fostering a more humane and intercultural Bilbao through engaged participation from its members.
These combined national and municipal actions underscore Spain’s comprehensive approach in 2025 to offering protection, facilitating integration, and promoting active participation of refugees and migrants within Spanish society.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
