BTN News: Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, recently embarked on one of her first international visits since assuming office in November, choosing Colombia as a key destination. This visit underscores the strategic importance of the relationship between Spain and Colombia, particularly in areas concerning inclusion, equality, and migration. Saiz’s discussions with Colombia’s Vice President and Minister of Equality and Equity, Francia Márquez, as well as with the Minister of Labor, Gloria Inés RamÃrez, focused on shared experiences and policies aimed at improving the lives of citizens. In this exclusive interview with EL TIEMPO, Saiz delves into Spain’s groundbreaking public policies, lauded by global institutions like the World Bank, and shares her insights on how migration can positively impact a country by enriching it socially and economically.
Focusing on People: The Core Mission of the Spanish Ministry
Saiz refers to her ministry as “the Ministry of the People,” emphasizing that the Spanish government’s primary goal is to improve the lives of its citizens. The Ministry’s focus on inclusion, social security, and migration reflects a commitment to advancing protection and equality in rights. Saiz highlights the importance of Colombia as a strategic partner for Spain, noting that the exchange of experiences and the advancement of useful policies are vital to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in both countries.
Spain’s Ingreso MÃnimo Vital: A Model for Social Inclusion
One of Spain’s most significant initiatives, the Ingreso MÃnimo Vital (IMV), was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This program provides a safety net for over 1.5 million people, preventing them from falling into poverty. Unlike other regional minimum incomes in Spain, the IMV is a nationwide policy designed to ensure no disparities between different autonomous communities. Saiz explains that the IMV is not just a financial aid program but a tool for full inclusion, as it is compatible with employment. The program is continuously evolving, with the recent addition of the Laboratorio de PolÃticas de Inclusión, a policy innovation lab that uses scientific evaluation to assess the effectiveness of social policies.
Scientific Evaluation of Social Policies: Lessons for Colombia
The Laboratorio de PolÃticas de Inclusión in Spain is a pioneering initiative funded by the European Union. It has launched 34 pilot projects across Spain, in collaboration with third-sector entities, to scientifically evaluate social policies. These projects test various approaches, comparing results to determine which methods are most effective. Saiz points out that one of the key findings is that comprehensive support for entire families, rather than just individuals, yields better outcomes for inclusion. The pilot projects have also highlighted the importance of personalized support, particularly in employment for people with disabilities, which has led to a 45% increase in hiring. Saiz emphasizes that these successful models can be scaled and shared with other countries, including Colombia, to foster social investment that promotes equality, equity, and sustainable growth.
Migration as a Positive Force for Enrichment
Addressing the global challenge of migration, Saiz affirms Spain’s commitment to human rights and its determination to combat xenophobia and racism, which are on the rise in Europe. Spain’s migration policy views migration as a positive force that enriches the country culturally and economically. Saiz mentions the Gecco program, which has enabled over 2,000 Colombians to migrate to Spain through circular migration schemes that benefit both countries. She stresses that migrants are a source of wealth and a driving force for Spain, where foreign workers now make up 13% of the workforce. Saiz argues that the issue of migration should be addressed from a human rights perspective, with a global approach that fights against racism and xenophobia.
The Situation of Colombian Migrants in Spain
Saiz highlights that Spain offers robust protection to Colombian citizens, with over 200,000 Colombians affiliated with Spain’s social security system. The Spanish government prioritizes employment, social harmony, and the advancement of rights, as demonstrated by innovative projects like We Care, which promote circular migration and collaboration within the European Union. These initiatives ensure that migration policies are aligned with the principles of rights, guarantees, and social protection.
Gender Perspective in Migration: Addressing Vulnerabilities
Saiz emphasizes the importance of incorporating a gender perspective across all areas of her ministry’s work. Women, particularly in the context of migration, face multiple forms of vulnerability, including gender-based violence. To address these issues, the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration has established the Consejo Asesor de Brecha de Género (Gender Gap Advisory Council), which consists of professionals from various fields who advise on public policy decisions. Saiz also notes that Spain is in the process of revising its immigration regulations to strengthen gender protections and address the compounded vulnerabilities faced by migrant women. This approach was a key topic of discussion with Vice President Márquez.
Supporting Progressive Reforms in Colombia
Saiz commends Colombia’s recent pension reform, which has sparked debate about dignified retirement, a challenge also faced by other countries, such as France. She believes that successful reforms must stem from social dialogue, as seen in Spain, where pension reform was achieved through collaboration between unions and employers. Spain’s reform, which guarantees pension increases in line with inflation, is rooted in the recommendations of the Pacto de Toledo, a parliamentary commission that ensures the sustainability and fairness of the pension system. Saiz underscores the importance of consensus in enacting durable and effective reforms.
Backing Colombia’s Ambitious Labor Reform
Spain continues to support Colombia’s labor reform efforts, which have been championed by the Colombian government. Saiz describes these reforms as bold and necessary, as they prioritize citizens and address issues that directly affect their lives. She argues that progressive policies, such as those being pursued in Colombia, demonstrate that it is possible to maintain social protection while achieving economic growth and creating quality jobs. Saiz dismisses the pessimistic predictions of some opposition groups in Spain, citing data that shows the compatibility of advancing rights with economic prosperity.
The Importance of Equality Ministries
Saiz strongly supports the creation of ministries focused on equality, such as Colombia’s Ministry of Equality, which was inspired by similar institutions in Spain. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, Saiz believes that such ministries are essential for advancing rights and social protection for all citizens, particularly women. She emphasizes that policy decisions must be based on comprehensive evaluations, such as those related to migration flows and gender gaps in pensions. Saiz concludes by praising the courageous decisions made by governments that prioritize the defense of the entire population, reaffirming her commitment to supporting Colombia’s efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
