Spain has announced plans to grant residency and work permits to approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually over the next three years, marking a significant shift in its migration policy. Migration Minister Elma Saiz confirmed the new policy, set to take effect in May 2025, emphasizing its dual focus on respecting human rights and addressing the country’s economic needs.
The initiative aims to counter Spain’s declining birthrate and aging workforce. Saiz highlighted the necessity of foreign workers, stating that the country requires around 250,000 registered migrant workers yearly to sustain its welfare system. She praised the policy as a step toward prosperity, saying, “Today, we can say Spain is a better country.”
The program simplifies visa procedures for short- and long-term employment and enhances labour protections for migrants. Under the new policy, job-seekers can apply for a one-year visa instead of the previous three-month limitation, providing more opportunities for stability.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently framed Spain’s migration approach as a strategy to combat demographic challenges. Earlier this year, he visited West African nations to address irregular migration to the Canary Islands, a gateway to Europe for many migrants from Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania seeking better lives.
Spain recorded over 54,000 migrant arrivals by sea or land by mid-November 2024, according to the Interior Ministry. Many undocumented migrants work in the informal economy, filling essential roles such as fruit pickers, delivery drivers, and caregivers. Without legal protections, they often face exploitation and abuse.
Saiz noted that legalizing undocumented migrants would help combat fraud, exploitation, and human trafficking. “This policy will also serve to protect against mafias and the violation of rights,” she said.
Spain’s economy, one of the fastest-growing in the European Union, has benefited from a resurgence in tourism following the pandemic. In 2023, the country issued 1.3 million visas to foreigners, showing its reliance on migrant labour.
This progressive policy reflects Spain’s commitment to fostering a balanced approach to migration, ensuring both economic stability and social justice.