The Spanish government has announced a plan to legalise the status of undocumented migrants, a measure expected to benefit at least half a million people. Regularisation will be available to foreign nationals who do not have a criminal record and can prove they lived in Spain for at least five months prior to 31 December 2025. This is an historic day for our country, said Elma Saiz, Spain's minister of inclusion, social security and migration. The measure will provide beneficiaries with an initial one-year residence permit, which can then be extended. Requests for legalisation are expected to begin in April and the process will remain open until the end of June. We are reinforcing a migratory model based on human rights, integration, co-existence and which is compatible with economic growth and social cohesion, Saiz remarked. Spain has seen a large influx of migrants in recent years, mainly from Latin America, with a significant rise in the number of undocumented migrants. Spain's socialist-led coalition government has placed emphasis on the economic contributions of emigrants, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling them wealth, development and prosperity. While the plan has garnered support from left-wing parties and advocates, it faces criticism from conservative sectors. This initiative represents the first large-scale migrant regularization in Spain for two decades, sparking diverse reactions across the political spectrum.
Spain's Bold Move: Legalizing Half a Million Undocumented Migrants

Spain's Bold Move: Legalizing Half a Million Undocumented Migrants
The Spanish government is set to offer legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, marking a significant policy shift that emphasizes human rights and integration.
Spain has unveiled a plan to legalize the status of half a million undocumented migrants, providing them with residence permits starting April 2026. This historic initiative aims to integrate migrants into society while boosting the economy and promoting human rights. The government has emphasized the value of immigrants to the country, as they contribute to social security and economic growth. Amidst some political opposition, this mass regularization is the first of its kind in two decades.

















