The arrival of new citizens – from various origins and often from diverse cultures – should represent an opportunity for the host society and not a problem. As a newcomer, you face the difficulties of starting up in a society whose customs, day-to-day life and language are very often new to you, which in turn may make you feel more vulnerable.

Castelldefels City Council wishes to express its will to foster the integration of the newcomer into our society. Integration should not mean having to give anything up, it should offer the chance to enhance your roots by the adoption of collectively accepted principles that help us live in harmony with one another. In other words, like any other citizen, rights but also responsibilities.

The Newcomers Guide you hold in your hands aims to be a useful tool for those of you who have just come to our city, offering all the essential information you may need for your new life with us. In it you should find clear, easy to understand directions on how to obtain basic community services such as health, education and social services, or where to go for documentation.

In short, this Guide should help improve the quality of care every newcomer should, and does, have the right to receive, and further encourage his/her integration into our city.

Antonio Padilla

Mayor of Castelldefels