Latest news with #Spain-focused
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
'I ditched UK for Spain six months ago but found it was 20 years behind'
EXCLUSIVE: Six months ago, Mark Danby left the UK behind for the sunnier climes of Spain, uprooting his life and moving to Manilva, but noticed a certain "contrast" between the two countries. A British expat residing in Spain has declared that the European country is "20 years or so behind the UK" when it comes to one thing. In a daring decision six months ago, Mark Danby, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, abandoned the UK to pursue Spain's warmer weather. He relocated his entire existence to Manilva, a municipality within Malaga on the Costa del Sol. Nevertheless, whilst enjoying an "absolutely wonderful" experience in Spain thus far, Mark has admittedly faced several obstacles, having previously discussed the intricacies of the local visa procedures. Mark, who operates in IT whilst also producing Spain-focused material for his emerging YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, arrived in the country using a digital nomad visa. This permits foreigners to reside in Spain whilst working remotely for an external company (or as freelancers). Yet, it seems bureaucratic machinery operates sluggishly regardless of location, as Mark also mentioned that "everything takes so long". Though this might partially stem from a notable "contrast" between both nations, reports the Express. He highlighted one particular distinction when questioned about the "biggest culture shock" he'd faced following his overseas relocation. Expanding on this, he explained how Spain was "about 20 years or so behind the UK" in one of his videos. He remarked: "And I describe it as being Spain being about 20 years or so behind the UK in kind of technology. Everything takes so long. They don't go for electronic systems. They like their pieces of paper; that is the biggest shock. "They are paper pushers; they're pen pushers. Everything is paper, like when you go for sort of your visa applications or your... as I'm now waiting for my TIE card, which is my foreign residency card, everything is paper processed." Mark detailed his experience while waiting for his card, noting that they'd "already kind of accepted it". He described how applicants submit their documents at a police station, get fingerprinted, and then wait for the card to be produced. He lamented: "If they had a little printer machine by them, they could just press a button and print it out, but oh no. You know, it has to go through the paper process and it has to.." Mark went on: "You know, it can take have to sort of make another appointment to go back. Everything's booked up solid and, you know, I've still not got it. Everything takes a long time, a very, very long time." A TIE card is a Spanish Foreign Identity Card (or tarjeta de identidad de extranjero in Spanish), which serves as proof of legal status for foreigners in Spain and is necessary for those with visas permitting stays longer than six months. Spain adheres to the regulations of the Schengen area, which dictate specific passport prerequisites and permit individuals to travel visa-free within the zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Spain offers fast-track visas to students denied by US social media rules
Spain is preparing to roll out a fast-track programme to attract foreign students who have been denied or delayed entry into the United States due to their political opinions on social media. The scheme—called EduBridge to Spain comes in response to former US president Donald Trump's recent orders expanding social media vetting for international student visa applicants. According to the Spanish government, the new pathway will simplify enrolment at Spanish universities for those affected by Washington's tougher stance on overseas admissions. The programme is expected to be approved shortly. It promises quicker access to higher education for foreign nationals, including students whose applications to the US have been held up or denied after social media background checks flagged their political views. What EduBridge to Spain includes Under the scheme, eligible students will be able to: Apply for accelerated admission to Spanish universities Enrol temporarily while their diploma recognition is processed Benefit from dedicated international student quotas Get priority appointments at Spanish consulates in the US According to The Local Spain, the Spain-focused edition of The Local, Europe's leading English-language digital news publisher aimed at expats, migrants and international visitors, the fast-track system will also support the transfer of academic records and validation of completed coursework for students midway through degrees in the US. A reaction to tightened US rules In recent months, US embassies have ramped up scrutiny of student visa applications. Many students, especially those perceived to hold left-leaning political views, have faced delays or denials. Although a temporary visa suspension was lifted, pending review of applicants' social media profiles, the uncertainty has prompted many to consider alternatives. The move has not gone unnoticed in Spain. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge finds its way — even when others shut the door,' said Elma Saiz, Minister of Migration. She added that consulates in the US would prioritise student visa applications under the new scheme, and Spanish police stations would speed up issuing Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) to affected students, professors and researchers. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it. We want to offer these young people the opportunity to continue their education in our country,' said Saiz. €200,000 research grants for US scientists Spain is also trying to attract US-based scientists who feel squeezed out by the Trump administration's policies. The Ministry of Science and Innovation has announced that researchers moving to Spain under a separate initiative will receive an additional €200,000 in project funding. Diana Morant, the science minister, said the scheme would support scientists 'disregarded' in the US. Challenges due to new immigration law However, the programme may face a few hurdles. Spain's new Immigration Law, which came into effect on May 20, brings in additional requirements for student visas. These include shorter initial stay periods before students can apply for residence permits, new timelines for submitting academic progress reports, and stricter conditions around health insurance and housing documentation.
