The Spanish government has approved an extraordinary regularization process that will grant residency and work permits to roughly 500,000 migrants currently living in the country without legal status, according to La Tercera.
The measure, implemented via a Royal Decree modifying the Immigration Regulations, introduces new forms of 'extraordinary arraigo' to regularize individuals already integrated into the Spanish workforce.
President Pedro Sánchez defended the decision during an official trip to Beijing, stating that the move is intended to “recognately rights to citizens who are already in our country and who are contributing to prosperity and social cohesion,” as reported by La Tercera.
While the government frames the policy as a matter of necessity and justice, the opposition has voiced strong dissent. La Tercera reports that the conservative People's Party (PP) has reversed its position from two years ago to reject the measure, while the far-right Vox party has labeled the process "insecure" and a driver of a "pull factor."
Diplomatic shifts and administrative hurdles
The timing of the domestic policy coincides with a broader shift in Spain's international relations. According to Euronews, Sánchez is simultaneously working to strengthen ties with China, signaling support for Beijing’s role in Middle East diplomacy.
For those seeking to apply, the process begins online on April 16, with in-person appointments following on April 20, La Tercera notes. The application window remains open until June 30 for migrants who can prove they were in Spain before January 1 and have maintained five months of continuous residence.
To manage the anticipated volume of applications, the government will utilize Social Security and Post Office (Correos) offices, with technical support from the public group Tragsa, according to La Tercera.
However, the administrative rollout faces immediate labor challenges. La Tercera reports that immigration officials have announced an indefinite strike starting April 21 because they were excluded from the government's logistical planning.
Police unions have also expressed concerns regarding the new system. According to La Tercera, these unions warned that the process was designed "with the backs of" security professionals and flagged potential risks regarding identity verification and fraud.
