Immigration is not a problem for Spain because it "generates wealth and contributes to added prosperity", Felix Bolaños, Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Parliamentary Relations, told a reporter, speaking about the latest proposals made by the main member of the opposition, the People's Party (PP).

The PP has slammed the government's migration policies as "out of control" and suggested a points-based visa system for foreigners who fulfil specific requirements.

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'Right risks being swallowed up by Vox'

"The People's Party must watch out and not legitimise the xenophobic and extremist views promoted by Vox because the only result will be that it is swallowed up by Vox, as has occurred to other classic conservative parties in Europe," warned Bolaños during a press briefing on Monday, September 29.

The PP, currently the main party in the opposition, has proposed introducing a points-based visa system for foreign citizens in order to promote the "regular immigration" of people who "want to work in sectors experiencing labor shortages." They also hope to encourage those "who are better acquainted with the culture" of Spain and those who "are better able to integrate."

The idea was launched by the national party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. He said the scheme should be modelled on similar systems in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where entry is regulated by a points-based assessment of skills and qualifications, among others.

He noted that the point-based system would take into account the "commitment of the countries of origin to maintaining order," so that "people coming from countries that are not committed to keeping order will not get a visa".

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Feijóo clashes with Vox on migration policies

Over the past few weeks, the PP has pointed to immigration and accused the current government of being "out of control" in its management of the phenomenon. That, says the PP is one of the main "challenges to be tackled" by Spain.

"A migrant is neither a victim without power over his actions, as claimed by the Socialist Party, nor a criminal no matter what, as claimed by Vox," Feijóo said on September 28, addressing a meeting in Murcia with top party officials, outlining his strategy on the issue.

"Neither of the two extremes is the truth, so the solution is neither regularizing everybody nor chasing everyone back to the sea. The solution is bringing order and implementing the law once and for all," he added.

Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, which is committed to winning over the PP's conservative electorate, responded accusing Feijóo of demonizing his political force.

"Chasing them all back to the sea? Feijóo joins the demonization of Vox with lies and manipulations. It's not enough for him to fool voters. He must prepare his new alliance with the PSOE", [the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party], he wrote on the social media platform X.

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