Last Updated on April 15, 2026 9:00 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN/ WEB DESK
Spain’s government has approved a plan to give legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants, allowing them to be integrated formally into the workforce.
The Spanish government’s plan will offer a one-year renewable residence permit. To qualify, migrants must show they have lived in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record. Applications will begin from tomorrow till end of June this year.
In a letter shared on social media, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described this move as both an act of justice and a necessity for Spain. He said this is fair and necessary, as migrants already contribute to society and are needed to support Spain’s ageing population and economy.
The Prime Minister said that these migrants are needed to sustain the economy and public services in a country whose population is ageing. He also said it was the right course of action for a nation which in the past had seen many of its own nationals emigrate in search of better opportunities.
Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Party has criticised the plan, saying it may encourage more illegal migration and is trying to block it.
A think tank, Funcas, estimates there are about 840,000 undocumented migrants in Spain, many from Latin America. The scheme comes as many of Spain’s European neighbours tighten controls on immigration.