Government launches subsidy program to help employment in migrants

The government has launched a subsidies programme of 1.5 million euros for the recruitment by social entities of migrants in the process of settling in the country. 

It is aimed at citizens who find themselves out of work, with difficulties in entering  the job market, and it will help them with  professional training and  work experience. The initiative has been put in motion by the Department of Work, Social Affairs, and Family.

After the application process, contracts will be possible from January onwards, and will last 12 months, guaranteeing a minimum monthly salary of 1,000 euros.

To begin, in 2019 up to 86 people can be contracted. Chakir el Homrani has called on organizations to “do a good job localizing people who could benefit from this new line of subsidies.”

First time

“This is the first time the department has launched a line of subsidies with  these characteristics, doing so with the objective to improve the lives of people who live  in Catalonia and want to work and contribute to their hosting society,” Homrani explained.

The minister also highlighted that this is a “very good opportunity to strengthen the capacities of these organizations and reflect the diversity of society within them.”

In order to be eligible for the subsidized contracts, people will need to be registered to live in Spain for three years, with the final two based in Catalonia. They must also have the requisites to obtain a residency permit.

Evaluation of the applications will entail looking at the criteria of vulnerability including social, economic, and family circumstances, as well as housing necessity among others. Having a first aid certificate will also be a bonus.  

It is forecast that the announcement of the subsidies will be made public in September, so work recruiting can begin in January 2019, running until the end of February.