Spain's socialist-led coalition government has approved a decree that will regularise up to 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers, a move that contrasts sharply with anti-migration policies across much of Europe. The decree, expected to take effect in April, applies to those who have been in Spain for at least five months or have sought international protection before 31 December 2025, and who have no criminal record.
Announcing the decision after Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Migration Minister Elma Saiz called it a 'historic day' and said the initiative aims to 'break the bureaucratic barriers of the past'. She added that the programme, introduced by royal decree and thus bypassing parliamentary approval, would benefit Spain by reinforcing a 'migratory model based on human rights, integration and coexistence' that supports economic growth and social cohesion.
The decree follows pressure from the leftwing Podemos party, whose leader Ione Belarra welcomed the move, stating that 'no one else has to work without rights'. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously argued that Spain needs migration to sustain its economy and welfare state, describing hatred and xenophobia as 'the greatest destroyer of nations'.
The decision has been praised by migrant rights groups such as Picum, which called it 'a powerful reminder that regularisation is not only possible – it works'. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from the conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of using the regularisation to distract from a deadly rail crash, while Vox leader Santiago Abascal invoked the 'great replacement' theory and called for mass deportations.
