Sweden's prime minister has warned that Spain's irregular migrant amnesty risks triggering a migration crisis similar to the one that hit Europe in 2015. Ulf Kristersson called the Spanish government's plan a "very bad idea" and said it caused a "pretty big outcry" at a recent EU leaders' meeting.
Amnesty details and scale
The Spanish amnesty applies to immigrants without residency permits who can prove they have lived in the country for at least five months and arrived before January 1 this year. More than one million people applied before the deadline ended in July.
Ceuta influx and EU tensions
A rush of migrants on the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa has reignited the immigration debate within the EU. The influx sparked a diplomatic row between Spain and Italy, as Madrid announced border controls on Italian travellers in response to Rome's sanctions on Spanish visitors.
Leaders criticised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for policies they suggested were responsible for the sudden arrival of 72,000 migrants from Morocco. Most have since returned, but more than 80 died, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier.
Kristersson's comments
Kristersson told the Financial Times: "It symbolises that we still have to be very, very careful not to act in a way that could even come close to what happened in 2015."
Commenting on the EU leaders' meeting, he added: "I think Spain got the message . . . but it shows the vulnerability." He said Spain's amnesty created a possibility for migrants to travel across the 27-member bloc, which operates a visa-free travel area known as Schengen.
The Swedish centre-right leader, who is seeking re-election in September, said the possible movement of migrants from southern Europe to northern EU member states would be "specifically damaging".
Historical context and Sanchez's defence
More than 1.3 million people arrived in Europe in 2015, most fleeing war and poverty in countries including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Thousands died trying to reach Europe, with hundreds drowning in the Mediterranean.
Sanchez defended the amnesty as "an act of justice and a necessity", arguing that those already living and working in Spain should "do so under equal conditions" and pay taxes. With its ageing population, Spain needs more workers to maintain its growing economy and contribute to social security. Madrid insisted the policy has the support of trade unions and businesses.
The granting of amnesty to migrants living in Spain without authorisation has taken place six times between 1986 and 2005.
