Spain to Grant Legal Status to Hundreds of Thousands of Undocumented Immigrants
Spain's government has announced a significant measure to grant legal status to an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 unauthorized immigrants residing in the country. This initiative aims to integrate these individuals into the formal economy and workforce, with applications anticipated to open between April and the end of June.
New Measure Aims for Integration
The policy will be implemented by expediting a decree to amend existing immigration laws, a process that bypasses a similar bill previously stalled in parliament. Eligible individuals will receive an initial one-year legal residency and work permit, which is extendable.
To qualify, foreign nationals must have arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, demonstrate residency in the country for at least five months, and possess no criminal record. Many of the potential beneficiaries are believed to be from Latin American or African countries, often working in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and services. The largest groups of undocumented arrivals currently residing in Spain are reported to originate from Colombia, Peru, and Honduras.
Government Justification and Economic Outlook
Elma Saiz, Spain's Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, stated that the measure recognizes individuals already present in the country. The socialist-led coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has emphasized the role of migrants in supporting Spain's economy and aging workforce.
"The initiative reinforces a migratory model based on human rights, integration, and co-existence, which is compatible with economic growth and social cohesion."
The conservative think-tank Funcas indicated that the number of undocumented migrants in Spain rose from 107,409 in 2017 to a projected 837,938 by 2025. This initiative follows Spain's economic performance, which has recently shown stronger growth compared to other major European Union economies, with unemployment figures dropping below 10% for the first time since 2008.
Historical Precedent and Future Strategy
Spain has a history of similar measures, having granted amnesty to immigrants without legal status six times between 1986 and 2005. Experts suggest that such policies can legalize workers' status, create formal jobs, and significantly impact the workforce.
Anna Terrón Cusi, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, noted that this measure could allow Spain to "reset the counter" in anticipation of a new European migration and asylum pact, which is expected to emphasize deportations.
Mixed Reactions to the Policy
The government's decision followed an agreement between the ruling Socialist Party and the Podemos party, ensuring parliamentary backing. The announcement garnered support from numerous migrant rights groups and prominent Catholic associations, which had previously campaigned for such an initiative and gathered 700,000 signatures.
The Spanish Episcopal Conference described the move as an "act of social justice and recognition."
Conversely, center-right and far-right parties criticized the government's announcement. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative Popular Party, suggested the initiative was a distraction. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, also issued critical statements regarding the policy.