27/01/2007 00:00
TW
0
By Jason Moore THE Balearic government and indeed the Spanish state invite thousands of immigrants to come to Spain and the Balearics because there were some major shortages within the labour market. These are the facts. It is therefore, quite understandable that 80 percent of new jobs in the Balearics last year went to foreigners. While immigration continues to be quite a major issue in the Balearics it mustn't be forgotten that without immigrants the Balearics economy would be facing some major problems. The trade unions are concerned that the arrival of a large number of people from South America and North Africa will hit the labour market hard.

One trade union is calling for a quota system to be introduced. I can understand their fears but they must remember that the islands need a bouyant labour market if it is to remain competitive especially in tourism. I think the biggest mistake which is being made at the moment is that there appears to be a sensation of them and us.

The local authorities should work long and hard to ensure that all the people who have moved to the islands from abroad feel at home and realise that they are playing a key role for the islands and future prosperity.