From Monday to Thursday of this week, the regional body has received approximately 200 individuals interested in participating in the regularization process initiated by the central government. This initiative is vital for processing vulnerability reports for those registered in the twelve municipalities of Terra Alta, including Gandesa.
Most applicants, aged between 25 and 35, primarily come from Gandesa and Corbera d'Ebre. Pakistani and Moroccan nationalities are predominant, followed by Colombian, Senegalese, and Gambian. One of the main challenges identified is the language barrier, which is why many are accompanied by people who assist them with communication.
“"Most of them come from Gandesa and Corbera d'Ebre and are young people between 25 and 35 years old, although there are also people up to 40. A good part are Pakistanis and Moroccans - in that order -, followed by Colombians, Senegalese, and Gambians. The biggest problem is the language. That's why some come accompanied by people who do know it."
The Consell Comarcal has an immigration technician, a result of program contracts, who has coordinated closely with social services. This area has expressed surprise at the high number of migrants who were outside the system, suggesting that many of them were working in the informal economy. Although the initial days of the process were somewhat chaotic, management has been organized within the body's capabilities.
“"Those who come here do so because they want to work. Faced with hate speech from some parties, the fact is that their work helps consolidate the primary sector. And as a society, we are interested in them contributing to Social Security because, after all, they do not want to take advantage of the system but to make their contribution."
The work of these migrants is seen as fundamental support for the region's primary sector, and their regularization is considered beneficial for society as a whole, as it will allow their contribution to Social Security and their full economic integration.
