Spain has received about 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants, including roughly 580 Emaswati (Swazi nationals) fleeing political repression and poverty caused by Eswatini’s Tinkhundla system. The push factors driving Emaswati to leave their country include political oppression, economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and cultural terrors. The cultural and judicial landscape in Eswatini is heavily skewed in favor of traditional authorities, as the head of state holds all executive powers—including legislative and judicial authority effectively rendering the judiciary and legislative bodies non-independent. This concentration of power leaves ordinary Swazis with little to no chance of challenging or resisting the traditional authorities or seeking justice through the legal system. As a result, many citizens face unfair treatment, human rights abuses, and social repression without meaningful recourse.
These systemic issues create an environment where the rule of law is undermined, and individuals are vulnerable to cultural and political repression. Meanwhile, pull factors involve Spain’s open immigration policies and demand for labour in sectors like hospitality and elderly care. Spain’s programme aims to integrate migrants into the formal labour market, but delays in processing remain, leaving many living in the margins. Experts emphasize that addressing the root causes such as the lack of judicial independence and the oppressive power of traditional authorities is essential. They call for structural reforms to facilitate legal residency and work permits for these migrants, providing them with genuine opportunities and protections against the entrenched systems of repression and discrimination that drive their flight
