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Indian Opportunities In Spain At A Standstill
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 12/6/2011
- Destinations
- Unrated
Bobby Castro
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Indian Opportunities In Spain At A Standstill
In the early 2000s, Spain was one of the major destinations for Indians seeking work opportunities in Europe. At its peak, Spain had an immigrant population of 11%, the highest in Western Europe.
The recent years though has not been too good for the country. The country faced a debt crunch and a property crisis prior to 2008. The fallout from these issues was further exacerbated with the recent global financial recession, leaving much of Spain's economy reeling and awaiting resuscitation.
The newly installed government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero though has a long-range plan for immigration aimed to assist the economy back from the doldrums. This was done through identification of key areas of the economy requiring skilled and unskilled workers that can come from India and other countries of the world.
Indians have been favored community in the country. During the early 2000s, many Indians traveled to the country to fill up labor shortages in both the skilled and unskilled sectors. Many of them though have been able to immigrate illegally but the Spanish government granted amnesty to these Indians that have been gainfully employed.
Even prior to the economic slowdown, Indian businesses have been active participants in the Spanish economy. Because of the relative expansion of many Indian multinational companies, many have set up shop in Spain as their base of operations in Europe. This together with the increasing number of Indian professionals employed by other countries make their presence very visible in the country.
Another major Indian destination for education is Spain's higher education system. Many students from foreign countries are choosing Spain because of the world-class facilities due to the heavy capitalization by government in education. Often, Indian students choose to study management, medical sciences and other courses to expand their knowledge as well as training to be either brought back to India or be used as leverage to be employed in other overseas countries.
Aside from the increasing student population, other opportunities for Indians in Spain are very much on hold. The economic doldrums have cost much of the Spain's economic future. The current Euro debt crisis needs to be resolved first before any developmental goals on immigration can even be planned. Major overhauls in the economy needs to be done because much of the liquidity of Spanish markets depend on external financing and without it, not much can be done.
With this, not much opportunity is available for Indians in Spain. Until the finances are put in order, the Spanish option would remain at a standstill.
The recent years though has not been too good for the country. The country faced a debt crunch and a property crisis prior to 2008. The fallout from these issues was further exacerbated with the recent global financial recession, leaving much of Spain's economy reeling and awaiting resuscitation.
The newly installed government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero though has a long-range plan for immigration aimed to assist the economy back from the doldrums. This was done through identification of key areas of the economy requiring skilled and unskilled workers that can come from India and other countries of the world.
Indians have been favored community in the country. During the early 2000s, many Indians traveled to the country to fill up labor shortages in both the skilled and unskilled sectors. Many of them though have been able to immigrate illegally but the Spanish government granted amnesty to these Indians that have been gainfully employed.
Even prior to the economic slowdown, Indian businesses have been active participants in the Spanish economy. Because of the relative expansion of many Indian multinational companies, many have set up shop in Spain as their base of operations in Europe. This together with the increasing number of Indian professionals employed by other countries make their presence very visible in the country.
Another major Indian destination for education is Spain's higher education system. Many students from foreign countries are choosing Spain because of the world-class facilities due to the heavy capitalization by government in education. Often, Indian students choose to study management, medical sciences and other courses to expand their knowledge as well as training to be either brought back to India or be used as leverage to be employed in other overseas countries.
Aside from the increasing student population, other opportunities for Indians in Spain are very much on hold. The economic doldrums have cost much of the Spain's economic future. The current Euro debt crisis needs to be resolved first before any developmental goals on immigration can even be planned. Major overhauls in the economy needs to be done because much of the liquidity of Spanish markets depend on external financing and without it, not much can be done.
With this, not much opportunity is available for Indians in Spain. Until the finances are put in order, the Spanish option would remain at a standstill.