The Government of Spain updated its ‘Return Guide’, essential for new citizens who wish to settle in Spanish territory.
SANTA CLARA, Cuba. – After the final closure of the possibility of opting for Spanish citizenship through the Democratic Memory Law (LDM), popularly known as “Grandchildren Law”the Government of Spain updated its Return guidea key document to guide new citizens who wish to settle in Spanish territory.
The guide is available online since last August and, although it has had little dissemination, it constitutes a valuable tool that includes detailed explanations on immigration procedures, access to public services, homologation of degrees, financial aid and social reintegration. This document can function as a preliminary roadmap for those who benefit from the aforementioned law and who intend to plan their future outside the Island.
A large part of the Cubans who emigrate to Spain after obtaining nationality do so with very limited economic resources. In many cases, they barely have enough solvency to pay for their tickets and face the first days of their stay. Among other benefits to which they may be entitled when they permanently travel to Spain is the possibility of unemployment benefits, which represents important financial support to cover basic expenses while they integrate into the Spanish labor market.
The guide specifies, however, that applicants must meet certain requirements such as the availability to actively search for a job and accept a suitable placement. They will also be able to access aid for the formation of cooperatives and labor corporations and the “España Emprende” program, aimed at entrepreneurs with business ideas and projects.
Likewise, the Spanish Government guarantees help to “returnees” who are in a situation of financial need in relation to the expenses incurred at the time of the trip, fundamentally if they are applicants who have several dependents, such as minors, disabled people or elderly dependents. In this sense, the document details that extraordinary expenses will not be considered those corresponding to tickets, nor to the transfer of furniture or belongings, unless absolutely exceptional circumstances occur.
In terms of health, returnees will also have access to the public health system, under the same conditions as any effectively resident Spanish citizen. Regarding the section on education, the guide explains how to homologate foreign degrees so that they have official validity in Spain, a process that is essential for those who wish to continue studying or practice professions related to medicine, engineering or teaching.
In some cases, “returnees” may opt for scholarships or vocational training programs, especially if they have school-age children or if they wish to pursue higher education. “Like all Spaniards, students from emigration have the right to a school place that guarantees compulsory education and, within certain conditions, they have the right to choose a teaching center,” the document states.
The Spanish Government has insisted on all those who intend to settle in Spain to previously request information for their return procedures in order to obtain guidance adapted to their personal circumstances at the Consulates of their country of residence or at the Labor, Migration and Social Security Departments.
