The Spanish Government is reportedly planning to spend around £ 1.6 million (2 million euros) on housing migrants in a four-star Costa del Sol hotel until April, The Olive Press has reported.
The migrants will remain until at least April 24, after which they will be relocated to other areas along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella and Estepona.
According to the report, the Hotel Oh Nice Caledonia, in Bel Air, is being paid around £50 (60 euros) per person per night.
It means around £17000 per night or £1.6million will be paid during the three months when the hotel is normally closed for the winter season.
In comparison, one night at the hotel for paying guests costs €65 minimum, though no bookings are being taken yet for this summer.
Bel Air resident Joerin Reiddel told The Olive Press: “It’s a win for the hotel, probably more than they get in the high seasons. It’s too much to give to people who don’t contribute.”
A 52-year-old expat resident explained: “They shouldn’t be showered with money, clothes and food. If they want to become Spanish citizens they should prove it by serving in the military.”
On the other hand, most locals were in favour of the decision to house the migrants
Dutch resident Marjolijne Reedijk said: “We are talking about basic things people should have. We have everything we need, a house, food, safety, they deserve that too.”
Meanwhile, the Spanish Government has also decided to grant one-year residency and work permits to as many as 25,000 foreigners affected by catastrophic flash floods that hit an eastern area of the country last October.
The measure, which was approved by the Spanish cabinet earlier this week, will facilitate paperwork for those now left homeless in dozens of towns affected by the floods, principally in the Valencia region.
The government has embarked on a major recovery and reconstruction effort after the 29 October disaster, which killed 227 people and destroyed countless homes and businesses.
