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In this regard, Minister Elma Saiz of Social Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration underlines Spain’s steadfast support for Ukrainians, noting that 61 per cent are women and 31 per cent are minors, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, since the outbreak of the conflict, over 201,000 Ukrainians, mostly women, have sought refuge in Spain. Currently, Spain ranks fifth in the European Union for granting temporary protection, with 199,000 individuals benefiting.
31% Minors, 61% Women Among Spain’s Refugee Population
Of these, 31.7 per cent are minors, a total of 62,447, while 61.2 per cent are women, with 1,769 unaccompanied minors identified. The displaced population, 31 years old on average, boasts a high level of education, with over 60 per cent having higher education degrees.
The integration process has been remarkable, with 29,500 minors enrolled in schools and 20,500 employed individuals, 53 per cent of whom are women.
Since the war broke out in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Government of Spain has worked intensely to address the humanitarian crisis generated by said conflict. Thus, the initial response focused on documenting and caring for the more than 8,000 people who arrived in Spain each week.
As the Ministry explains, the rapid establishment of four CREADE (Reception, Attention, and Referral Centers) centers within weeks, doubling the capacity of the reception system, proved crucial in providing essential documentation and emergency accommodation to the influx of refugees arriving each week.
These centers, strategically located in Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, and Malaga, meet the needs of the Ukrainian population, offering temporary protection, reception services, and assistance in obtaining social security numbers, health cards, employment guidance, and legal advice. Over 175,000 individuals have been assisted so far, with around 14,000 still housed within the Spanish reception system.
Spain Provided Financial Aid of €1.4 Billion to Ukrainian Refugees
Spain’s commitment over the last two years has exceeded €1.4 billion, with funding from both the national government and co-financing from the EU. In 2022, an extraordinary credit line of €1.2 billion was approved, a significant part of which was allocated to various ministries such as Health and Education and then distributed to the Autonomous Communities based on justified expenses.
In addition, two calls were initiated for various support expenditures for the Ukrainian population, including Autonomous Communities, City Councils, and local entities.
EU funding has also played a vital role, with the Commission providing €28 million integrated into the Spanish National Program of the Fund for Migration Asylum and Integration (FAMI) and a further €209 million through the EU Social Fund (ESF). Thus, an additional €50 million awaits final approval by the Commission under the ESF.
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