Madrid, Spain – Over 1 million migrants have applied for legal status under Spain's new regularization scheme, which began in April and closed on June 30, 2026. This initiative contrasts sharply with the rising anti-immigration sentiment across Europe, aiming to alleviate the plight of undocumented workers and bolster the economy.
Background of Spain's Regularization Scheme
The Spanish government launched this regularization process, the first since 2005, in response to a growing consensus around the necessity of supporting vulnerable populations. The initiative is backed by civil society organizations, trade unions, and the Catholic Church, emphasizing the need for a more humane approach to immigration.
According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, there were 1,174,978 applications submitted. However, as of now, only 11,000 have been resolved favorably, while about 608,000 are under review for provisional residency and work permits.
Voices of Migrants Seeking Regularization
Badr Tmairi, a 22-year-old Moroccan who has lived in Spain for six years without legal status, expressed his desire to regain his legal residency to work as a hairdresser and visit his family. “What I want is to get my papers back so I can work,” he stated.
Similarly, Rocio Neciosupe, a 54-year-old Peruvian cleaner, highlighted the importance of regularization for her ability to work without fear. “Regularization isn’t a handout; all I want is to work,” she emphasized. Both Tmairi and Neciosupe's experiences illustrate the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Spain.
The Economic Impact of Migrant Regularization
Experts have pointed out that Spain's aging population necessitates a steady influx of workers to sustain various sectors, especially care work. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that without migration, Spain’s GDP could be 19% lower by 2050, leading to significant economic decline and loss of essential services.
“By 2050, 90,000 bars would close, 50,000 classrooms would shut, and 220,000 farms would disappear,” Sanchez noted. This perspective underscores the critical role that regularization plays not only for migrants but also for the broader Spanish economy.
- 1,174,978 applications submitted
- 11,000 favorable resolutions
- 608,000 accepted for processing
As Spain moves forward with this initiative, it sets a precedent in Europe, demonstrating that a compassionate approach to immigration can yield beneficial results for both migrants and the economy.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
