In a recent statement, Catalan business leaders have voiced strong support for the regularization of approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are already settled in Spain. Josep Sánchez Llibre, president of Foment, emphasized the vital role that immigration plays in sustaining the business environment, claiming that entrepreneurs need immigration as fundamentally as they need air and water. This statement marks a significant shift from the traditionally cautious stance of larger national organizations like the CEOE, led by Antonio Garamendi, who has been criticized for dodging decisive positions on immigration issues.

Josep Ginesta, secretary general of the small business association PIMEC, also backed the government's move, highlighting the social benefits of regularization and the need for businesses to address the persistent labor shortage. The call for action reflects a growing acknowledgment among Catalan entrepreneurs that the presence of undocumented workers is not just a humanitarian issue but a practical necessity for their operations. Additionally, Antoni Cañete, the leader of PIMEC, had previously endorsed the idea, reinforcing the notion that an inclusive society contributes to a more cohesive and stable economy.

This shift in narrative from business leaders in Catalonia could influence broader policy discussions at the national level in Spain, potentially encouraging a more supportive approach towards immigration policies that could address labor shortages and facilitate integration. The rising recognition of the importance of regularizing undocumented immigrants hints at evolving attitudes among business circles, which may reconsider their approach to labor and immigration in the light of economic pressures and societal needs.