SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 22 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Social Welfare of the Government of the Canary Islands, Candelaria Delgado, emphasized on Monday the urgency of the migration crisis in the archipelago and the importance of the State listening to all autonomous communities to address the relocation of elderly migrants to other mainland territories as well as the distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors arriving on the coasts of the Canary Islands.
Candelaria Delgado took part in the Sectoral Conference on Migration on Monday, where discussions not only focused on the current migration situation but also on planning for the management and response to immigrant arrivals on Spanish shores. Additionally, the agenda covered the proposed amendment to the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11, regarding the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration, along with collaboration and cooperation on migrant inclusion matters.
“We are dealing with a national issue that requires collaboration at all levels, as the solution can only be achieved through dialogue and the consideration of all autonomous communities,” stated the minister. She reiterated that immigration is a structural phenomenon that Spain must address as a unified country: “The influx of new individuals to our land presents opportunities, but it also brings challenges in terms of social services that we must plan collectively.”
In this context, Delgado also used the platform of the conference with representatives from all autonomous communities to call for “a joint effort from all parties” and for “responsibility and pragmatism to prevail over ideologies” in light of the proposed reform of the Immigration Law. This reform aims to streamline the reception of migrant minors across Spanish territory and is scheduled for debate in Congress tomorrow.
“We are referring to minors who arrive on our shores daily and whom we must provide care, food, education… essentially, protect as we would any young person because turning a blind eye does not make the issue disappear,” she emphasised. “Furthermore, we must consider that these minors also require support upon reaching adulthood. It is crucial that we reach a consensus on new programmes dedicated to youths transitioning from care; failing to do so will subject them to precarious conditions,” she added.
The Ministry disclosed that more than 26,000 individuals have irregularly entered Spain via the coasts or land borders of Ceuta and Melilla to date, with over 20,000 of them having arrived in the Canary Islands.
