In the affluent Sant Gervasi neighborhood of Barcelona, Latin American migrants are increasingly becoming a sought-after labor force. One such individual is Marzolay, a 28-year-old Venezuelan who moved to Barcelona a little over a year ago. He currently finds work cleaning homes, working at a laundromat, and caring for an elderly person suffering from dementia. Marzolay notes the relatively easy job market, revealing that he is able to earn a bit more than a thousand euros a month through undocumented work, despite concerns for his family back in Venezuela and his own undocumented status.

According to Funcas, a Spanish think tank that publishes statistics, there are nearly a million undocumented migrants in Spain, with many working in caregiving and service jobs without formal work permits, like Marzolay. The situation highlights the ongoing issue of labor conditions for these workers, who face significant risks without legal protection. Marzolay is among those who see a glimmer of hope with recent government measures aimed at regulating their status in the workforce.

Earlier this year, the Spanish government announced a decree to legalize at least half a million undocumented migrants. This policy shift suggests a recognition of the essential role that these workers play in Spain's economy, especially in popular sectors like caregiving and hospitality. As migrant workers like Marzolay look to establish their place more securely within Spanish society, the upcoming legislative changes may offer them not just job security but also a pathway toward improved living conditions and protection from exploitation.