Spain’s ruling centre-left coalition has approved a “extraordinary regularisation” bill, triggering a surge in applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status.
Spain migrant legalisation sees surge in applications
More than 130,000 applications were submitted in the first week alone. Authorities expect that up to half a million migrants could obtain official status by the end of June in the country of roughly 50 million people.
In several cities, the influx has strained administrative systems, with long queues forming and delays reported in appointment scheduling and document processing. Local authorities have voiced concerns about the potential pressure on healthcare and social services, which are already under strain.
Government defends policy despite concerns
The government, however, has defended the initiative. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues that Spain’s labour market challenges despite unemployment affecting nearly 10% of the working-age population, require structural solutions, including integrating migrant labour.
Programme includes migrants in detention
The policy is also set to apply to migrants currently in detention facilities.
Prison authorities have reportedly been instructed to inform eligible inmates about the legalisation process, provide the necessary documentation, and offer language assistance where needed.
The move underscores the broad scope of the programme, which aims to regularise a significant number of undocumented migrants across the country.
