Migrants in Spain have begun applying to regularise their status under a new mass legalisation programme that could benefit hundreds of thousands of undocumented foreign residents. The scheme, which opened for applications on Monday, offers a one-year renewable residence permit to those who have lived in the country for at least five months and have a clean criminal record. Applicants have until the end of June to submit their requests.
Spain’s approach contrasts sharply with the restrictive policies adopted by many other European nations, which have sought to curb arrivals and increase deportations. The Spanish government defends the measure as an economic necessity, citing the need for more workers to sustain a growing economy and support the social security system in the face of an ageing population. Business owners and trade unions have backed the initiative.
The programme was announced in January and finalised this month. Officials estimate it could cover around 500,000 people, though the Spanish think tank Funcas puts the figure closer to 840,000. Over 370 post offices, 60 social security offices and several migration offices are processing applications, with online submissions having opened on Friday.
Applicants in Madrid and Barcelona reported smooth processes, albeit with long waiting times. Nubia Rivas, a 47-year-old Venezuelan, said she made an appointment online and found the process straightforward at a central Madrid post office. “It’s pretty simple,” she noted. Another Venezuelan, Johana Moreno, who now works as a cleaner after being an archivist in her home country, said legalisation would allow her to “work, contribute and pay taxes”.
Spain’s foreign-born population has reached around 10 million, or one in five residents. Many come from Colombia, Venezuela and Morocco, fleeing poverty, violence or political instability. They work in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and services.
