Risques sanitaires et sociaux chez les travailleurs agricoles immigrés dans la province d’Almeria (Andalousie, Espagne)

• Main Authors: Betty Rouland, Anne-Cécile Hoyez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille 2011-03-01
• Series: Espace populations sociétés
• Subjects: immigration; health; Almeria; Spain
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/eps/4372

This article aims to explore the links between health risks and immigration, and more specifically the situation of immigrant agricultural workers in the Almeria area (Andalusia, Spain). First we synthesise the contemporary migratory dynamics in Spain, characterised by the recent arrival of extremely different immigrant populations (immigrant workers in precarious situation and retired people from Northern Europe) in the Mediterranean coastline. Then we analyse the risks faced by immigrant workers. In addition to the conditions of immigration, precarious administrative status or working and housing conditions, the article addresses the question of spatial segregation, which exposes these workers not only to health risks (distance from healthcare services) but also to social risk (social isolation and vulnerability). Finally, we propose a critical analysis of health and social public policies implemented to limit health risks. Indeed, national and regional policies comprise different objectives, mostly based on culturalist presuppositions, appearing to be completely out of phase with local realities. This has lead local administrative and sanitary entities to set up healthcare structures adapted to the increasing number of immigrants. However, measures targeting health risks are still lacking.