US EditionSpain finalizes move that could see 500,000 undocumented migrants apply for legal status
The decree fast-tracks one-year work and residency permits, with 500,000 people estimated eligible and applications opening April 16.
- On Tuesday, Spain's cabinet finalized a royal decree to regularize approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, bypassing parliamentary approval with online applications opening tomorrow, April 16.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the regularization as "an act of justice," arguing Spain needs migrants to sustain its economy and welfare system amid an aging population.
- Applicants must prove they arrived in Spain before Jan. 1 and maintain a clean criminal record, with Migration Minister Elma Saiz stating migrants can apply at 371 post offices and 60 social security offices.
- The conservative opposition, including the Partido Popular and Vox, condemned the plan as an "outrage" and "treason," announcing plans to challenge the measure through legal and parliamentary channels.
- While the government estimates 500,000 eligible applicants, analysts suggest numbers could reach 1.35 million, and the Council of State raised concerns regarding the decree's criminal background verification procedures.
136 Articles
136 Articles
As the Spanish government prepares to welcome half a million undocumented migrants, in France, right-wing politicians warn about the consequences of this decision.
500,000 Undocumented Immigrants in Spain Eligible For Legal Status After Amnesty Approval
A total of 500,000 undocumented immigrants in Spain are on the verge of getting legal status as the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez approved the amnesty programme first announced earlier this year. Sanchez, who is currently in China, announced that the law has been signed into effect, saying the decision was 'an act of justice and a necessity' for Spain. The prime minister said the law aims to acknowledge 'the reality of nearly half a…
On Calle de los Madrazo, a narrow street in the heart of Madrid, a large group of people gathers around a single doorway. Several anxious glances are fixed on the entrance, marked by a large red gate, waiting for it to open so they can enter. A few meters above, on what appears to be the first floor of the building, a Colombian tricolor flag waves. This is the Colombian Consulate General, where they are all waiting to carry out various procedure…
On Tuesday, 14 April, Pedro Sánchez announced a comprehensive plan to regularize the situation of undocumented people who have arrived on Spanish territory for at least five months without interruption before 1 January 2026, which...
Spain to Grant Amnesty to 500,000 Migrants
The Socialist Workers’ Party in Spain has moved forward on plans to grant amnesty to 500,000 illegal migrants in the country. The country’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said in a statement that the Council of Ministers will approve the plan. “The Council of Ministers will approve today the Royal Decree that initiates the process of extraordinary regularization of people in an irregular situation in our country,” he wrote on X on April 14. “An …
The Spanish government has decided on a measure aimed at enabling about half a million irregularly arriving people to obtain residence status. Opposition and authorities criticise the move.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 34% of the sources lean Left, 34% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
