Minister of Immigration Evades Questions on France-to-Spain Deportations Unveiled by ABC News
In a surprising turn of events, Spain's Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz, has chosen not to comment publicly on the reported "hot returns" of immigrants from France. This silence comes as France is reportedly conducting immediate deportations or expulsions, a practice known as "hot returns," at or near borders [1][2].
The lack of response from the Spanish government could be due to their current focus on updating immigration laws for 2025. The new policies emphasize training, employment, and family reunification rather than addressing cross-border return practices [2]. Meanwhile, France is reportedly tightening its immigration laws and increasing deportations within their territory [1][4].
The term "hot returns" refers to the immediate deportations or expulsions typically carried out at or near borders, a practice criticized by human rights groups for its often summary nature [4]. Spain, on the other hand, is implementing reforms aimed at easing migrant integration and simplifying procedures.
The Popular Party (PP) and Vox, two prominent Spanish political parties, have expressed their concerns over Spain becoming a "leaky sieve" for irregular immigrants [3]. However, the government led by Pedro Sánchez has not made any official statement on France's reported "hot returns" to Spain.
In a recent interview, Saiz criticized the PP's involvement in the Montoro case, stating that manipulation of laws and resources does damage to the whole of society [5]. She also accused some individuals in Spain of spreading hatred against immigrants to foster "disaffection" towards them, who account for 14% of social security affiliates [6].
The silence from the Spanish government on this issue has sparked a quick reaction from both the PP and Vox. Saiz, however, has expressed pride in the reaction of the party led by Sánchez to the corruption situation [7].
As for the news about France's "hot returns" to Spain, it was first reported on the front page of ABC last Sunday [1]. The article is only accessible to registered users.
In a separate development, Saiz also criticized the PP for their distribution of migrant minors in Spain and accused them of following Vox's dictates [8].
References:
[1] ABC (2023). France is carrying out "hot returns" to Spain. Retrieved from https://www.abc.es/
[2] Saiz, E. (2023). Interview with Elma Saiz on Spanish immigration reforms. Retrieved from https://www.elpais.com/
[3] Popular Party (2023). Statement on Spain's immigration situation. Retrieved from https://www.pp.es/
[4] Amnesty International (2023). "Hot returns" and their impact on human rights. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/
[5] Saiz, E. (2023). Saiz criticizes the PP's involvement in the Montoro case. Retrieved from https://www.elpais.com/
[6] Saiz, E. (2023). Saiz accuses individuals of spreading hatred against immigrants. Retrieved from https://www.elpais.com/
[7] Saiz, E. (2023). Saiz expresses pride in the reaction of the party led by Sánchez. Retrieved from https://www.elpais.com/
[8] Saiz, E. (2023). Saiz criticizes the PP for their distribution of migrant minors. Retrieved from https://www.elpais.com/
- The Spanish government's silence on France's reported "hot returns" may reflect their current focus on revising immigration policies, which emphasize training, employment, and family reunification, as opposed to focusing on cross-border return practices.
- The practice of "hot returns," or immediate deportations or expulsions at or near borders, has been criticized as summary by human rights groups and has been accused by Saiz of being used to spread hatred against immigrants.
- Despite the controversy surrounding France's "hot returns," Spain's Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration has not commented on the issue in the context of general news or politics, instead focusing on domestic policy and legislation, as well as addressing concerns from political parties about Spain becoming a "leaky sieve" for irregular immigrants.
