Nearly half of Muslims in Spain report racism, few file complaints, new survey reveals

A new survey by the Moroccan Association for the Integration of Migrants found that 47.5% of Muslims in Spain have experienced racism, but only 6% have formally reported it. The study highlights concerns about discrimination, particularly against people of Arab and Moroccan descent.

The survey gathered responses from 584 Muslims aged 28 to 65 through online questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups across Spain. Many respondents reported difficulties accessing public and private services, as well as challenges in filing complaints about discrimination.

In education, some Muslim students said they felt undervalued by teachers, which impacted their academic performance. Additionally, six in ten Muslim women reported feeling disrespected or mistreated during medical consultations. The study also found that 70% of respondents had experienced stress, anxiety, or a sense of exclusion due to incidents of Islamophobia.

Housing discrimination was another major concern, with 74.82% of participants believing that obtaining housing was more difficult for people of Arab descent. Many faced obstacles from landlords and real estate agencies, including refusals or stricter rental conditions.

Healthcare and education were also areas of concern, with 39.65% reporting discrimination in the national health system and 36.67% citing bias in schools. Over half of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the education system, mentioning cultural misunderstandings and a lack of teacher training.

While Spain has policies aimed at promoting intercultural integration, the report suggests that discrimination remains a challenge for many Muslim residents.