Some illegal immigrants, despairing of improving their financial situation abroad, would like to return to their homeland, but, alas, they do not have money for a return ticket. The voluntary return program is primarily designed for couples with children. The Spanish government pays for their travel and gives 450 euros per adult family member and 200 euros per child. However, to take advantage of the program, illegal immigrants must prove their insolvency. The first to voluntarily leave Madrid were six families from Ecuador.
It should be noted that recently the Spanish authorities have intensified their fight against illegal immigrants. Cases have become more frequent in which the police grab people right on the street and, after a short investigation, deport them from the country without even giving them time to collect their personal belongings. Forced repatriation primarily concerns persons who violate public order, for example, drinking alcohol on the street or attracting police attention with their unkempt appearance.
In the new year, when the recently adopted law on foreigners comes into force, the Spanish authorities hope to expel most illegal immigrants. Now they are demanding that the European Union allocate funds for mass deportation. As for the aforementioned voluntary return program, it is only part of a large-scale plan to expel foreigners. And its "humanity" towards couples is explained only by the fact that the law prohibits forcibly deporting minors from the country and, moreover, separating them from their parents. Spanish human rights organizations that support immigrants are protesting against the government's plans for mass deportation. They believe that this is a violation of human rights.