ISLAMABAD: Spain’s socialist-led government has approved a landmark royaldecree to regularise the status of up to 500,000 illegal migrants, offeringthem a pathway to legal residency and work rights in a move that contrastssharply with tightening immigration policies in parts of Europe and theUnited States. The measure, announced in late January 2026, targets foreignnationals who can prove continuous residence in Spain for at least fivemonths before December 31, 2025, and who hold no criminal record. Thisinitiative is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands ofirregular immigrants, including many from Pakistan and other developingcountries, granting them one-year renewable residence permits along withfull access to employment opportunities.
The decision by the Council of Ministers, spearheaded by Migration MinisterElma Saiz, bypasses parliamentary hurdles through a royal decree, allowingswift implementation amid stalled legislative reforms. Officials describeit as a historic step toward a migration model rooted in human rights andeconomic necessity, as migrants have contributed significantly to Spain’sgrowth in sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and eldercare. Estimates suggest the programme could formalise the status of aroundhalf a million people, addressing long-standing labour shortages andboosting social security contributions in an ageing society.
Eligibility criteria remain stringent to ensure order and security.Applicants must demonstrate their presence in Spain prior to the 2025cutoff date through documents such as utility bills, rental contracts,medical records, or other verifiable evidence of stay. A clean criminalrecord, verified via police clearance certificates from both Spain and thecountry of origin, is mandatory. The scheme also extends to those who filedinternational protection applications before the deadline, including theirdependent children already in the country, broadening its humanitarianscope.
Applications are scheduled to open in early April 2026 and will remainavailable until June 30, 2026, providing a six-month window forsubmissions. Successful candidates will receive an initial one-yearresidence and work authorisation, valid across all sectors and regions,with pathways to longer-term permits under existing immigrationregulations. This temporary permit can be renewed based on standardcriteria, potentially leading to permanent residency after meetingintegration and employment requirements over time.
The announcement has triggered immediate activity among migrantcommunities. Reports indicate long queues forming outside embassies,consulates, and immigration offices in major cities like Madrid andBarcelona, as individuals rush to gather required documents, includingpassports and police clearances. For many Pakistani and South Asianmigrants, who form a notable portion of Spain’s irregular workforce inagriculture and services, this represents a rare opportunity to escapeprecarious living conditions and gain access to healthcare, education, andformal banking.
Experts highlight the economic rationale behind the policy. Studies showthat regularised migrants increase tax revenues and social securitypayments while reducing exploitation in informal economies. Spain’sapproach bucks the regional trend of stricter border controls anddeportations seen elsewhere in Europe, positioning the country as a leaderin pragmatic migration management. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’sadministration has emphasised that migration has driven 80 percent ofrecent economic dynamism, justifying the measure as beneficial for nationalinterests.
Critics, including conservative parties and the Vox group, have condemnedthe decree as an amnesty that could encourage further irregular arrivals.They argue it undermines legal migration channels and strains publicresources. However, government officials counter that the targeted,time-bound nature of the programme, combined with strict eligibilitychecks, mitigates such risks while addressing humanitarian concerns forthose already integrated into Spanish society.
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This regularisation marks the first large-scale effort of its kind innearly two decades, following previous amnesties that legalised hundreds ofthousands in the early 2000s. It reflects Spain’s ongoing efforts tobalance economic needs with social inclusion, particularly as demographicpressures from low birth rates intensify labour demands. For affectedmigrants, the policy promises legal protection, better job prospects, andstability after years of uncertainty.
The move has drawn international attention, with observers noting itsdivergence from global anti-immigration sentiments. As implementationapproaches, authorities are preparing processing systems to handle theexpected surge in applications efficiently.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n6gw1dp9o
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