"There is a racist bias in the use of the term 'migrant' compared to 'foreigner': the former arrive in boats and the latter invest."

PalmIn the Balearic Islands, "there is a racist bias in the use of the term 'migrant' compared to the term 'foreigner': the former arrive in boats, while the latter invest and buy houses," lamented Marmite, Professor of International Law at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and also director of the Observatory of Migration in the Mediterranean (OMIMEDs). OMIMED is a project founded almost five years ago by a group of law professors from the UIB, which has since grown to 27 members, including other academics and professionals in the field. The initiative aims to be "intersectoral and interdisciplinary," allowing for research on migration "in the broadest sense," explained Capellà. "We often talk about people arriving in boats and foreigners, but there are people with Spanish nationality who still suffer discrimination," she warned.

To study migration in depth, the project aims to forge alliances with actors working with migration movements in the southern Mediterranean, but above all, with professionals conducting research elsewhere, with the goal of deepening our understanding of this phenomenon. The initiative also intends for the UIB (University of the Balearic Islands) to become "a point of reference on migration issues and not only a space for research, but also for meetings and information sharing," added the director of OMIMED (Migration Observatory of the Balearic Islands).

The Observatory's first project is a monthly electronic newsletter targeted at migration professionals, social workers, teachers, healthcare personnel, and institutions, among others. The newsletter will disseminate information to "disseminate verified data," something that, according to Capellà, "is lacking in the Balearic Islands and in Spain." Another initiative will be the professional workshops on migration that will be organized throughout the islands to "learn who works in this field and what the roles of each professional are, and to offer them a meeting place to share knowledge about migrants." A sensitization workshop focusing on the journey and itinerary of people arriving by boat to the Balearic Islands will also be held in secondary schools next year.

Migrants in Traffic

David Abril, a professor of Sociology at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), pointed out that, "although there is currently a lot of focus on migration and on people arriving by boat, the majority do not stay in the Balearic Islands." Therefore, he believes that "what should concern us is ensuring a dignified reception and respect for the human rights of those who pass through here." Similarly, Miquel Àngel Oliver, a professor of Social Work, criticized the focus on boats "when the majority of people arriving in the Balearic Islands enter through airports."