Summary
Spain plans to grant legal status to half a million undocumented migrants. This process will begin in April 2025, allowing migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months without a criminal record to apply. The Spanish government says this move will boost the economy and improve social harmony.
Key Facts
- Spain's new plan is to legalize the status of at least 500,000 undocumented migrants.
- Migrants must have lived in Spain for at least five months by December 31, 2025, and have no criminal record.
- The process to apply for legal status will start in April 2025 and end in June 2025.
- Successful applicants will receive an initial one-year residence permit, which can be extended.
- Spain's government sees migrants as important for the economy, citing a recent drop in unemployment and economic growth.
- The number of undocumented migrants in Spain has grown significantly, with many coming from Colombia, Peru, and Honduras.
- This initiative is the first large-scale migrant regularization in Spain in about 20 years.
- Some political parties oppose the measure, claiming it could strain public services and affect national identity.
