The post-Brexit party season
Illegal work, low pay and poor working conditions. Would you risk it for the summer of a lifetime? Megan Milstead chats to the party-goers who did.
For many years, thousands of Brits would flock to Ibiza for the summer of a lifetime. Six months of sun, sea and clubbing. What could be better?
In January 2021, all of that changed. Despite the obvious pandemic to get past, there was a new hurdle to get over. Brexit.
Without a work and residence visa and a TIE Card (Spanish Foreigner Identity Card), Brits can only stay in Schengen countries for 90 days within a 180-day period and are unable to get employment.
That’s unless they do it illegally, of course…
In 2021, 4.3 million British tourists visited Spain | Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash
In 2021, 4.3 million British tourists visited Spain | Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash
"Girls were groomed and encouraged to sell drugs for the bar."
Chris* (not his real name) had visited Ibiza once before Brexit and recalls how easy it used to be to pick up a job. Today is a very different story.
He said: “The only places that let you work without a visa are people who are above the law. They’re really dodgy people, like the Spanish mafia. I made a lot of money, don’t get me wrong, but I was involved with crazy people and I wouldn’t advise it to anyone.”
Chris believes that the new Brexit rules are just going to encourage “unsafe” working conditions as illegal work isn’t regulated.
He said: “Girls were groomed and encouraged to sell drugs for the bar. [The employers] fed drugs to the girls which were different to what they told them they were.”
From Chris’ experience, if workers were a few minutes late they received “abuse”. They were also denied days off work and would have to stay for longer shifts even if they were ill.
He described the employers as “scary” people and that workers felt “trapped.”
He said: “Everyone is just going to do that now because they need money. I feel like [the new Brexit rules] are unsafe."
Ibiza was ranked as the "most expensive Spanish destination to visit" in 2020.
So, if you’re going for a longer period, it’s going to be hard to stay financially stable without a job.
Accommodation for the month will set you back almost £2000 a month in the town centre, whilst a bottle of water at a club will cost around £8.
Infographic by Megan Milstead
Infographic by Megan Milstead
One working holiday agency offers packages across most European party destinations. They include accommodation, transfers, rep services and discounts on clubs.
They also offer the option to work for them and receive cash-in-hand without a visa.
Although the sales rep assures me that it’s “completely legal”, just one look online will tell you otherwise. No matter how long you’re staying, you’re going to need a visa.
The company offers jobs selling nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It’s illegal in Ibiza and anyone caught selling it could be fined up to €1,500.
For a six-hour shift, workers will receive €5 an hour plus commission.
Bartenders employed through this agency receive around €3 an hour plus free drinks.
The minimum wage in Spain is €7.55 an hour, which raises the question of how ethical these jobs really are.
Due to the limited employment opportunities post-Brexit, some people will take whatever job they can - even if it means being underpaid and selling drugs.
Drug dealing isn’t new to Ibiza, but more people might consider it now there are fewer options out there.
Of course, this isn’t the case for every company. Some businesses will pay for their employee’s visas and go down the legal route.
Photo by Cassie Gallegos on Unsplash
Ibiza is home to over 20 nightclubs | Photo by David Švihovec on Unsplash | Note: Ushuaïa is not associated with this story
Ibiza is home to over 20 nightclubs | Photo by David Švihovec on Unsplash | Note: Ushuaïa is not associated with this story
A report by CEO Magazine revealed that Ibiza is the fifth-best nightlife destination in the world and is home to some of the top sunsets across the globe.
Even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, 75,000 Brits visited the island last July.
Ibiza may have the top clubs and some beautiful beaches, but would you risk it for an extended holiday?
We know it’s affecting Brits who want to do a season, but have Spanish businesses been impacted?
Hannah* (not her real name) visited the island for three months last year and recalls how desperate the local businesses were.
"Lots of places were forced to close."
Ibiza has some of the best beach clubs in the world | Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash
Ibiza has some of the best beach clubs in the world | Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash
She says: “Everywhere was looking for people to employ. They were understaffed and desperate, and lots of places were forced to close. Everyone was looking for work but very few people had the correct documents, so they weren’t actually employable.”
Hannah would have stayed longer if it wasn’t for Brexit and plans to get a residency at some point so that she can live there all year round.
Ibiza has 300 days of sunshine a year | Photo by Josie Josie on Unsplash
Ibiza has 300 days of sunshine a year | Photo by Josie Josie on Unsplash
She recommends working and living there to everyone.
In 2019, there were 74,900 Brits working in Spain, according to the National Statistics Institute. This year will be the first summer since Brexit and lifted Covid restrictions.
Spanish companies can still hire applicants with EU passports. This means they have the choice of workers from 27 different countries.
Ibiza has more than 80 beaches | Photo by Slow Ibiza on Unsplash
Ibiza has more than 80 beaches | Photo by Slow Ibiza on Unsplash
Ibiza Old Town is 2,500 years old | Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash | Businesses shown are not associated with this story
Ibiza Old Town is 2,500 years old | Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash | Businesses shown are not associated with this story
Pete* (not his real name) completed two full seasons in 2018 and 2019, working as a writer on the island. He says that every summer brings something different.
He believes that people will be missing out on the “full Ibiza experience” due to the Brexit restrictions.
Pete said: “It's an act of self-harm that will negatively impact 98% of UK citizens and benefit a wealthy few. In terms of how it affects UK workers in the EU, we aren't being singled out or treated unfairly, we're simply being treated like every third-party nation outside the union.”
He is currently in the process of getting his TIE approved so that he can relocate to the White Isle.
Spanish is not his first language which makes it “more daunting” for him. Until then, he’ll be working self-employed from the UK for a Spanish company.
Even if his application gets approved this year, he’s still around two years away from being able to move out there permanently.
A TIE is also known as a Spanish Foreigner Identity Card, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for over six months. You need to have a Spanish residency before you can get one.
Although Brexit might make things a bit harder, a season in Spain is still possible. To find out more, read the government guidelines here.
Want to make the most out of the shorter season?
Here are Pete's top five places to visit:
“A trip to Formentera, our sister-island in the Pityuses, is a must."
"Beach-wise, Salinas is a favourite for reason. An afternoon there whilst Jon is playing at Sa Trinxa for me - a perfect day."
"Benirràs for the drummers at sunset is another essential Ibiza experience."
"Cala d'Hort."
"An evening exploring the winding streets of the ancient citadel, Dalt Vila and ending up at Paradise Lost for a Black N Stormy nightcap."
We were not able to independently verify the claims.
*Names have been changed to protect the sources’ identities.
The photos in this feature are stock images. Any models and businesses shown are not associated or referred to in this story.
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