Newly released official data show that Moroccan workers topped the list of foreign employees registered in Spain’s social security system in October, maintaining a lead that has grown increasingly stable in recent years.
According to figures published by Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, a total of 365,089 Moroccan workers with valid work permits and social security registration were active during the month. Morocco thus remains Spain’s largest source of foreign labour, ahead of Romania, which ranked second with 340,449 registered workers, followed by Colombia with 251,084.
The Spanish government’s data indicate that Moroccan workers have become firmly established across key sectors of the economy — including agriculture, construction, services, transport and agri-food industries — placing them at the centre of economic activity in several regions. The ministry notes that Morocco consistently provides the largest foreign workforce to Spain’s labour market, a trend that has held steady despite fluctuations in employment over the years.
Overall, Spain recorded more than 3.1 million foreign workers enrolled in the social security system in October, reflecting the growing need for migrant labour in sectors facing a structural shortage of workers.
At the same time, the Ministry of Inclusion and Social Security warned of the accelerating challenges posed by Spain’s ageing population, noting that more than four million people are expected to reach retirement age over the next decade.
The ministry said this demographic shift leaves Spain increasingly reliant on regulated migration to maintain labour market equilibrium, stressing that Moroccan workers remain among the most capable and essential labour groups for addressing this structural gap.
