ENAR Shadow Report 2011/12: Racism and related discriminatory practices in Spain

In 2011/12 the economic crisis and budget cuts led to a reduction of the funds available for inclusion programmes and to a restriction of the rights of migrants in certain spheres. 37% of migrants are now unemployed, increasing their susceptibility to exploitation. Employers often take advantage of their vulnerability by requiring them to work without a contract and security measures. Many migrants who had residence permits and average living standards are now undocumented because they cannot renew their residence permit without a job contract. They may also lose access to the healthcare system because a residence permit will be required to obtain the health card. In addition, because many of them are no longer able to pay their rent or mortgage, some have moved to more deprived areas with substandard living conditions. Housing segregation is playing a role in the emergence of ‘ghetto schools’ because the allocation of schools is strongly tied to the area of residence.