More Immigrants returning home

 

The recession in Spain has caused the numbers of immigrants returning home to grow considerably over recent months – even though the numbers are still well below earlier Government predictions.

Last year 14,621 immigrants made the decision to leave Spain and return home, twice the amount seen over the previous six years, and more than likely encouraged by the accumulated unemployment pay offered by the Government if they should make the decision to leave.

The figure is still way below the estimate made by the Deputy Prime Minister, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, in July 2008 when this incentive was first announced – it was initially thought that as many as 100'000 would take up the offer.

Under the scheme the departing immigrant is eligible to claim 40% of the total unemployment pay entitlement before they leave if they agree not to return to Spain for three years.