Spain has approved a landmark plan to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move aimed at addressing labour shortages, supporting the country’s ageing population, and bringing thousands of workers into the formal economy.
Under the new initiative, eligible undocumented migrants will receive a one-year renewable residence permit, allowing them to live and work legally in Spain. The government said the programme is designed to regularise the status of migrants who are already contributing to the country’s economy while improving their access to employment and public services.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must prove they have lived continuously in Spain for at least five months and must not have a criminal record. The application process is scheduled to open tomorrow and will run until the end of June.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the decision, describing it as both a matter of justice and an economic necessity. In a message shared on social media, Sánchez said many undocumented migrants are already making valuable contributions to Spanish society and are essential to sustaining the country’s workforce and public services.
He noted that Spain’s ageing population has created growing labour demands in key sectors, making migrant workers increasingly important to the nation’s long-term economic stability. Sánchez also highlighted Spain’s own history of emigration, saying the country understands the challenges faced by people seeking better opportunities abroad.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from the opposition People’s Party, which argues that the measure could encourage more irregular migration. The party has pledged to oppose the initiative and is seeking to prevent its implementation.
According to Spanish economic think tank Funcas, an estimated 840,000 undocumented migrants currently live in Spain, with many originating from Latin American countries.
Spain’s regularisation programme comes at a time when several European nations are introducing stricter immigration and border control measures. The Spanish government maintains that the policy will strengthen the labour market, improve tax revenues, and promote the social integration of migrants already residing in the country.