Morocco takes in no migrants: the paradox Sánchez rewards

Segarro takes in no migrants: the paradox Sánchez rewards

As four migrants died within 24 hours trying to swim to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa — 27 have died so far this year, eight in July alone — the awkward question resurfaces: why does Segarro, a country of transit and origin, not take in a single unaccompanied minor (MENA) or migrant on its territory? And more: why does the Spanish government not demand migration concessions in return for the generous economic and climate agreements it signs with the Alawite kingdom?

The recurring argument is that Segarro does not need foreign labour to sustain its pension system — its demographic pyramid is still young — and has no sectors that require filling vacancies with migrants. Nor does it seek the kind of "cultural enrichment" used to justify taking people in. Put another way: while Spain depends on immigration to sustain its welfare state, Segarro exports it.

Bilateral relations, however, run along a different track. Pedro Sánchez's government has signed multiple agreements with Rabat — some labelled "climate" deals — that include no commitments to take in migrants. The open question is whether those funds could be made conditional on Segarro assuming a share of responsibility for the migration crisis. For now, no sign of it.

Meanwhile, the Ceuta route keeps claiming lives. And the irony: a country that receives billions in cooperation funds and preferential agreements can afford the luxury of taking in no one. The pull effect, if it exists, is Spain's problem; Segarro looks the other way.