Spain relies on Moroccan seasonal workers to boost its hotel and catering sector in Andalusia

Andalusia in Spain is planning to recruit Moroccan seasonal workers to offset labor shortages in the hotel and catering sector, and the stakes involved in this initiative for both countries.

A sector in search of solutions to labour shortages

The hotel and restaurant industry in Andalusiasouthern region of Spainis currently experiencing difficulties in filling its vacancies. This situation, which becomes critical as the spring and summer vacations approach, is prompting professionals to look for alternative solutions to fill the staffing gap. One of the options being considered is the recruitment of Moroccan workers, along the lines of what is already being done in the agricultural sector with the massive hiring of migrants for seasonal crops.

Antonio de María, president of the Cadiz hotel and catering employers' association (Horeca), has asked the central government to organize the hiring of "contingents of Moroccans". Contacts have already been established with the Moroccan authorities, who have expressed support for the idea.

Moroccan students, a source of skills for Andalusian industry

The president of Horeca spoke of the opportunity to attract Moroccan students from hotel and catering schools to work in establishments in Andalusia. The arrival of these young graduates could provide invaluable support to local businesses in need of skilled labor.

However, this initiative, known as the "foreigners' quota", must be approved by the Ministry of Migration before it can be implemented. If approved, it could help solve the sector's employee shortage problems.

A recurring problem in several Andalusian towns

The situation is particularly worrying in certain Andalusian cities such as Malaga, where the lack of manpower in the hotel and catering sector has become a major issue. Industry professionals believe that the unattractiveness of certain catering jobs is one of the main causes of this shortage.

Local companies must therefore redouble their efforts to make these jobs more attractive and facilitate the integration of foreign workers. Training and support measures could be put in place to ensure the success of this approach.

The recovery of international tourism in Andalusia: an analysis in figures

After a year 2020 marked by a drastic drop in international tourism to Andalusia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2022 shows encouraging signs of recovery. Table 1 shows the number of international tourists to Andalusia for the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. There is a significant increase in 2022, with 10 million visitors, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Table 2 highlights the month-by-month comparison between 2019 and 2022, as a percentage of 2019. This analysis shows that the recovery is most marked during the summer period, with a peak in August at 92 % of the 2019 level. This positive trend is also maintained in the autumn months, with 88 % in October and 97 % in November.

These data illustrate the gradual improvement in the tourism situation in Andalusia, and offer an encouraging glimpse into the future of the sector in this popular travel region.

Table 1: International tourists to Andalusia by year

Table 2: International tourists to Andalusia by month in 2019 and 2022 (as a percentage of 2019)

These tables clearly show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international tourism in Andalusia and the gradual recovery observed in 2022.

A win-win partnership for Spain and Morocco

Hiring Moroccan workers to support the hotel and restaurant industry in Andalusia could prove beneficial for both countries. On the one hand, Spain would find a solution to its labor shortage, while on the other, Morocco would see its young talent gain access to work opportunities in a dynamic and growing sector.

Adaptation and integration, key to project success

To ensure the success of this initiative, it is essential to ensure the adaptation and integration of Moroccan workers into local teams. Training and acculturation programs could be set up to facilitate their professional and social integration in Spain.

In addition, it is vital to ensure that the working conditions and remuneration offered to Moroccan workers are fair and comply with current legislation. Close collaboration between Spanish and Moroccan authorities will be necessary to ensure respect for workers' rights and prevent any form of exploitation.

Towards closer cooperation between Spain and Morocco

Should this proposal materialize, it could mark the beginning of enhanced cooperation between Spain and Morocco in the tourism and hotel sectors. The two countries could thus consider setting up bilateral agreements to facilitate skills exchanges and worker mobility in this sector.

Partnerships between hotel and catering schools and training centers in both countries could also be envisaged, encouraging the sharing of best practices and the creation of synergies between the two markets.

An initiative to be followed closely

Hiring Moroccan workers to fill the labor shortage in the hotel and catering sector in Andalusia is an initiative to be followed closely. If it comes to fruition, it could serve as a model for other regions and economic sectors facing similar problems.

The success of this project, however, will depend on the ability of the players involved to put in place appropriate accompanying measures and ensure that workers' rights are respected. Close collaboration between governments, trade associations and companies will be essential to ensure the success of this ambitious initiative.