Valencia to evict 1,300 migrants as housing speculation rises

Valencian authorities plan to remove about 1,300 migrants living in an informal settlement near the former Formula 1 circuit in the Grau del Port area. The eviction is linked to city policies promoted by the PP and Vox parties that favour urban speculation and touristification, with a proposed development of 3,200 luxury apartments and only a minimal number of affordable units.

Critics argue the municipality is using public funds to cover private debt tied to the project, including a €24 million shortfall that would be borne by the city after a private investor, a partnership involving Hayfin Capital (UK) and the Spanish group Atitlan, pays only €21.3 million. Similar large‑scale evictions of migrant settlements have occurred elsewhere in Spain, such as the Badalona operation in December 2025.

The move has sparked controversy over the right to housing for migrants, many of whom are from Sub‑Saharan countries and include Sahrawi stateless persons, and raises concerns about the social impact of prioritising luxury development over basic shelter.