8,000 British Residents in Mijas: Addressing Challenges and Needs

In a recent meeting between the UK consulate and the Mijas City Council, it was confirmed that approximately 8,000 British residents call Mijas home. This significant population brings with it a unique set of challenges and needs.

Officials from the Foreign Department of the Mijas City Council, alongside various associations and the Social Services department, convened to discuss and coordinate the support required by these British foreign residents, many of whom are elderly and living alone.

Mario Bravo, the Foreign Affairs Councilor of the Mijas City Council, highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of individuals who struggle with language barriers and lack family support. He emphasized the council’s commitment to providing equal attention to both Spanish and foreign residents.

Mijas has a history of catering to its foreign population, being the first municipality to establish a dedicated Foreign Department in 1985. Today, with approximately 8,000 British residents registered in the municipality, there’s a growing need to streamline services and address social needs effectively.

What are the biggest challenges for the British in Mijas?

The coordination between responsible departments ensures that the needs of foreign residents are met promptly. Initial meetings with the consulate have focused on areas such as Social Services, where issues like missing documentation and language barriers have been identified.

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Melisa Ceballos, Councilor for Social Services, underscored the challenges faced by foreign residents when navigating bureaucratic processes without adequate language skills. From passport renewals to residency permits, these tasks become daunting without support from the City Council or foreign associations.

As Mijas continues to evolve as an international community, addressing the challenges and needs of its British residents remains a priority for local authorities.