Refugee Assistance and Migrant Return Programs in Spain

Administrative Structure and Action Plans for Refugees

Bodies Responsible for Refugee Assistance:

• The Interministerial Committee for Asylum and Refugees
• Area Centers and Refugee Programs managed by IMSERSO
• Refugee Reception Centers

IMSERSO Care Program Strands

The IMSERSO develops a comprehensive care program for asylum seekers, refugees, and displaced persons, focusing on the following areas:

• Attention at airports, ports, and border crossings, including emergency housing. IMSERSO operates 4 shelters providing essential social care services.
• Social integration of refugees and displaced persons through community programs (e.g., GEAR and EQUAL).
• Global actions, including publishing, information dissemination, and guidance services.

Fundamental Deficits in Refugee Social Care

The fundamental deficits occurring in the social care of refugees are the following:

• Total Vulnerability Period: Care programs often last only 6 months to 1 year, sometimes expiring before refugee status is granted.
• Health Care Access: Although universal coverage exists, information dissemination is often insufficient.
• Psychiatric Care: A significant deficit in specialized assistance for individuals affected by traumatic experiences.
• Housing: Upon leaving care facilities, refugees often lack the necessary resources to secure rental accommodation.

Migrants and Assistance Programs for Voluntary Return

Legal Framework

Article 42 of the Spanish Constitution (CE) mandates the state to safeguard the economic and social rights of Spanish workers abroad. Key legislation includes:

• 1907 — The First Law of Migration
• 1960 — Law on the Basis of Migration Management
• 1971 — Immigration Act

Administrative Structure

The Directorate General of Immigration operates within the Ministry of Immigration and Emigration. Its responsibilities include:

• Promoting collaboration between administrations and agencies.
• Programming, guidance, and assistance for Spanish workers who move abroad.
• Organization and assistance for temporary employment campaigns.
• Promoting and supporting programs for the free movement of workers.
• Management of old-age welfare pensions.

Supporting this structure, bodies have been created to incorporate the participation of Emigrants:

• Resident Councils (Spanish Agents): Consultative bodies attached to the consular post of the host country, cooperating with the services offered.
• General Council of Emigration: Coordinates the collective of Spanish residents abroad.

The powers of the General Council of Emigration include:

• Conducting studies on issues affecting migrants.
• Proposing immigration policy.
• Being informed of actions by the competent administration.