BilbaoThe public service “Harreragune”
What is inspiring?
“Harreragune” in Bilbao is the first reception and orientation service for migrants arriving in the Basque Country. Its aim is to ensure access to rights and services on an equal footing for all. “Harreragune” is a Basque term meaning a space or area of reception and welcome. The initiative is grounded in the principles of public institutional responsibility, public-social collaboration, and multilevel governance , and was launched through an agreement with the Basque Autonomous Community Government. It represents the first implementation of a Basque model of migrant reception, developed within the framework of the Basque Country’s 6th Intercultural Plan for Citizenship, Immigration and Asylum 2022-2025.
Contact
‘Harreragune’ (Basque Government)
‘Harreragune’ (City Council of Bilbao)
Mr. Ekain Larrinaga, Immigration Technician of the Human Rights, Coexistence, Cooperation and Interculturality Area, Bilbao City Council
E-Mail: elarrinaga@bilbao.eus
E-Mail: harreragune@bilbao.eus
Tel.: +34 944 00 82 00
How does it operate?
Harreragune provides a wide range of services to all migrants, regardless of their residence status. These include legal advice on migration matters, training and employment guidance, recognition of qualifications, psychosocial support, assistance with family reunification, and opportunities for social and sporting participation. The service also facilitates access to local registration, health care cards, school enrolment for children, learning of Bilbao’s two official languages, job guidance, and advice on administrative migration procedures.
The offices of Harreragune are centrally located, easily accessible, and close to key public and private institutions. The service is personalised and, where needed, coordinated directly with various civil society organisations active in supporting the rights and reception of migrants in Bilbao.
Who initiated the project? How?
The service was jointly developed by the Basque Government and Bilbao City Council and is managed by “Zehar-Errefuxiatuekin”, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless individuals, and migrants in vulnerable circumstances.
The project represents the first implementation of the Basque model of reception of migrants, designed within the framework of the 6th Intercultural Plan for Citizenship, Immigration and Asylum 2022-2025 of the Basque Country and aligned with the principles and values set out in the Basque Social Pact on Migration.
What is the outcome?
Harreragune opened in Bilbao in 2024 and serves as a pilot project, with the intention of expanding the model to other Basque municipalities following an evaluation in 2026.
In its first three months of operation, from November 2024, Harreragune served 1,212 persons from 62 different countries, with the most frequently represented nationalities being Morocco, Colombia, Algeria, and Venezuela. In nearly half of the cases, the service facilitated local registration, and in some cases it supported individuals without stable housing in accessing accommodation.
More than half of those supported were in an irregular situation, making legal advice one of the most sought-after services. The centre has also assisted with family reunification, access to social support, language learning, translation services, job guidance, and psychosocial care. Service demand continues to grow as awareness increases, with the number of people supported rising steadily.