Immigration has ceased to be a temporary phenomenon and has become a fundamental pillar in the recent evolution of l'Horta Sud. Figures from the INE for the year 2025 reveal that 71,094 foreign-born individuals reside in the region, constituting 13.1% of the 500,654 inhabitants. This means that, approximately, one in eight residents in the area has foreign roots.
This increase is not an isolated event but the result of a sustained trend over the years. Immigration has grown in parallel with the urban and economic development of the Valencia metropolitan area, finding in l'Horta Sud a space of opportunities, especially in sectors such as services, logistics, auxiliary industry, and construction. This consolidation indicates that it is no longer about temporary stays but stable life projects, with families reuniting and minors entering the education system.
However, the distribution of this population is not uniform. Significant differences exist between municipalities, reflecting diverse urban and socioeconomic realities. Xirivella leads the ranking with 21.4% of the immigrant population, followed by Mislata (17.5%), Alfafar (16.9%), and Torrent (16.5%). The latter municipality also concentrates the largest absolute volume, with over 15,000 foreign residents. These disparities are explained by factors such as urban density, proximity to Valencia, and the availability of rental housing.
Beyond demographic data, the presence of the immigrant population has a direct impact on the local economy. Their participation is crucial for sustaining strategic sectors such as hospitality, commerce, logistics, and care services, where there is often high demand and less coverage by the native population. Furthermore, their contribution extends to consumption, housing rentals, and the creation of small businesses, boosting economic activity in neighborhoods and municipalities.
The integration process has recently accelerated, with measures facilitating the administrative regularization of part of this population, such as that which occurred after the DANA. This regularization improves access to employment contracts, working conditions, and basic services, reducing the underground economy and fostering stability. Likewise, it contributes to strengthening social cohesion, transforming the relationship between neighbors and reducing situations of exclusion.
Despite the progress, significant challenges persist. Access to housing remains one of the main difficulties, especially in municipalities with high demographic pressure. Added to this are precarious employment in certain sectors and the need to improve administrative mechanisms. Full integration depends not only on legal status but also on job stability, access to public services, and equal opportunities. It is essential to avoid simplistic discourses and promote coexistence based on mutual understanding and real data.
Immigration is redefining the urban and territorial future of l'Horta Sud. The planning of services, public transport, green spaces, and housing must adapt to a heterogeneous population, promoting equity and access to opportunities for all. This cultural diversity, manifested in festivals, gastronomy, and associations, enriches the local landscape and promotes creativity and innovation. Ultimately, immigration is a central element that will shape the immediate future of the region.
