Ceuta dolphin video sparks outrage and debate on irregular migration in Spain

Outrage over images of irregular immigration should not overshadow economic analysis. Immigration, when well managed, can be an engine of growth.

## The economic impact of immigration

Immigration, especially irregular immigration, often triggers visceral reactions. A recent video circulating on social media, allegedly showing migrants in **Ceuta** with a dolphin calf, has reignited this debate. Beyond the outrage these images may cause, it is crucial to analyse the phenomenon from an economic perspective. Far from being an automatic burden, immigration can bring significant benefits to a country's economy, provided it is properly managed.

## Immigration and the labour market

The arrival of migrants, even in irregular situations, can have diverse effects on the labour market. On the one hand, they can fill jobs that nationals do not want or cannot take, especially in sectors such as agriculture or construction. This, in turn, can help maintain the competitiveness of certain industries and prevent rising labour costs. On the other hand, competition for low-skilled jobs can create tensions.

## Costs and benefits

Assessing the economic impact of immigration means considering both costs and benefits. Costs may include pressure on public services such as healthcare or education, and the need for integration programmes. However, the benefits are often broader: a larger working-age population, a boost to consumption, contributions to social security through payroll taxes, and the creation of new businesses. In **Spain**, the foreign population accounted for **12.4%** of the total population as of **1 January 2023**, according to the **Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE)** (Spain's national statistics institute).