Until now, only European students were allowed to work during their university studies in Spain, within the limit of 20 hours per week. The others – that is to say, all those who needed a visa to pursue studies on Spanish soil – had to make do with a scholarship to support themselves and, by way of experience professional, unpaid internships. The new immigration law, in force since last August, should make their lives easier, explains the daily The world.
“Foreign students [ressortissants de pays non-membres de l’Union européenne] will now be able to combine studies and part-time work up to 30 hours per week, provided that their working hours are compatible with their training”, says the newspaper.
In addition, several provisions included in the new law should make it easier for workers in an irregular situation to obtain a residence permit. This is particularly the case for people who can prove that they have lived in the country for at least two years and that they have worked at least 30 hours a week for six months or 15 hours a week for a year.
“Being allowed to work would have helped me a lot”, confirms Laura Rosero, a 24-year-old Colombian who arrived in Madrid three years ago to take a master’s degree. The young woman tells the newspaper that she had to survive on a scholarship of 400 euros per month and practically give up all social life.
Out of nearly 200,000 foreign students currently enrolled in Spanish higher education establishments, more than 50,000 study visa holders will benefit from these new measures.