The visit was attended by such leading figures as Mònica Martínez Bravo, Social Rights and Inclusion Councillor; Maite Selva, Mayor of Begur; Laura Millán, Mayor of Palafrugell; Pol Fages, Chairman of the Palamós Chamber of Commerce; Enric Gimeno, Manager of Moventis Costa Brava; Marga Pedreira, Head of Human Resources at Moventia; Christian Busquets, Head of Operations at Moventis Costa Brava; and Sandra Llunell, Head of Customer Experience at Moventis.
Since it was launched in 2022, the programme has been responding to the shortage of qualified professionals in the transport sector—especially bus drivers and mechanics—via a legal, structured and socially impactful model: the direct recruitment of international talent in their home countries, with a special focus on Peru.
Another step forward was taken this year by including Peruvian youngsters on study visas, who followed an integrated training course: technical training, Catalan lessons, real practice, knowledge of the region and customer service training. 83.3% have already passed the Professional Aptitude Exam (CAP in Spanish) and are about to join the workforce permanently.
“For Moventis, and beyond merely filling job vacancies, this project offers real opportunities for a future to people who come over here to provide their hard work and talent”, said Enric Gimeno.
In turn, Marga Pedreira stressed that “this initiative is firmly committed to people, and seeks to foster growth, integration and future employment at the company, as well as social and emotional accompaniment, a decent home, healthcare coverage and actions to encourage linguistic and cultural integration. It is a project that offers a life plan”.
Councillor Mònica Martínez highlighted this initiative as a model in line with the targets set by the Regional Government of Catalonia: “The overseas recruitment being undertaken by Moventis Costa Brava not only provides employment but also a warm welcome and inclusion. It is a practical and replicable example of how to responsibly tackle demographic and labour challenges from a social perspective”.
Furthermore, Pol Fages, Chairman of the Palamós Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the role played by the business fabric as a driving force for social cohesion. “This project is a real demonstration of good-sense public-private partnership: a socially responsible company, a supportive government and a region that gains human capital, talent and cohesion”, he said.
Since 2022, Moventia has already hired more than 200 professionals through this system and expects to reach 239 such employees by the end of 2025, including drivers, mechanics and workshop technicians, mainly in urban and intercity transport.
Based on a structured plan and a multi-dimensional outlook, the ‘Overseas Recruitment’ project not only boosts operational efficiency in the sector but also transforms employment mobility into a genuine tool for social integration and improvement. It is a fine example of how collaboration between business, institutions and regional authorities can generate a real and transformative impact.