Migrants across Spain are expressing hope and relief as the government prepares to launch an extraordinary regularization programme that could allow up to half a million people to live and work legally. The initiative is expected to provide residence permits and open new opportunities for those who have been living in the country without a formal status.
In Barcelona, Merly Arévalo from Colombia says the plan could change her life after four years of living in uncertainty. She hopes to obtain legal work and continue her training so she can move beyond caregiving and cleaning jobs into a career that matches her qualifications. Like many others, she says she wants to contribute more fully to society.
Rashid, originally from Marrakech in Morocco, has been working informally in construction since arriving in Catalonia two years ago. He describes the regularization as “a dream” that would bring stability and peace of mind, allowing him to keep his job while improving his living conditions and security.
Rosa, an Ecuadorian mother living near Tarragona since 2021, also hopes to benefit. Having never held a formal contract, she looks forward to gaining legal recognition and says she feels fully integrated into local life, describing her family as a blend of Catalan and Latin American cultures.
Data from the Funcas Foundation shows that Colombians make up the largest group of migrants in irregular situations, followed by Peruvians, with a significant share of affected individuals coming from South America. Overall, nearly 840,000 people could be impacted by the policy.
The Spanish government plans to begin processing applications in April, targeting migrants who were living in the country before the end of 2025 and who can demonstrate at least five months of continuous residence. The programme will also include some people with pending or rejected asylum applications, offering them a new pathway to legal status.
Successful applicants will receive a one-year residence permit allowing immediate access to the labour market, while minor children will be granted five-year permits. Authorities say the measure aims to improve social inclusion, reduce informal work, and address labour shortages across different sectors.
For many migrants, the announcement represents more than a legal change — it offers the possibility of stability, dignity, and a clearer future after years of uncertainty, as Spain moves forward with one of the largest regularization efforts in recent years.