Many undocumented migrants in Spain say the government’s new amnesty plan could change their lives.
One of them is Diana, a 40-year-old migrant from Peru. She moved to Spain two years ago hoping for better financial and career opportunities.
However, life without legal residency has been difficult. Diana hoped to work in tourism but instead survives by doing occasional jobs.
She says undocumented migrants often face exploitation.
“Employers sometimes promise one job but ask you to do another,” Diana explained. “They may also pay less than what they promised.”
She added that the uncertainty can cause stress and loneliness.
Spain plans large migrant regularisation
The Spanish government plans to grant legal status to at least 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Under the new scheme, applicants will receive a one-year renewable residency permit. Applications will open from early April until the end of June.
To qualify, migrants must prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record.
The government expects around 500,000 applicants. However, a report from Spain’s National Centre for Immigration and Borders suggests the number could reach between 750,000 and 1.1 million.
Government highlights economic benefits
Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, has described migrants as people who contribute to the country’s development.
Officials say the policy has both humanitarian and economic reasons.
Elma Saiz said foreign workers play a key role in Spain’s economic growth.
According to Saiz, about 14.1% of Spain’s 22 million registered workers are foreign nationals.
She also noted that foreign workers have driven about half of the country’s economic growth since 2022.
Spain’s economy expanded by nearly 3% last year while unemployment dropped to its lowest level in almost two decades.
Migrants fill key labour shortages
Migrants play an important role in several industries across Spain. Many work in elderly care, hospitality and agriculture.
Government data shows more than 250,000 foreign workers are officially employed in agriculture alone. Many others work in the sector without legal documentation.
Francisco José García Navarrete said farmers rely heavily on migrant workers.
“If we did not have immigrant workers, it would be a problem,” he said.
The ASAJA farmers’ association supports the regularisation plan but wants migrants to receive stable long-term contracts.
Spain’s main business organisation, the CEOE employers’ association, also supports what it calls “orderly immigration”.
Political debate over the policy
The policy has sparked debate in Spain’s political landscape.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People’s Party, criticised the move. He said mass regularisation shows the government lacks a clear immigration strategy.
Meanwhile, Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, warned that the measure could encourage more migrants to enter the country.
However, the government argues that the limited application period reduces the risk of attracting more arrivals.
A different approach in Europe
Spain’s policy stands out in Europe, where many governments are tightening immigration rules.
Countries such as France, Germany and Italy have introduced stricter controls in recent years.
The European Commission has also urged caution. Officials say residency permits should not allow migrants to move freely to other EU countries without proper checks.
Still, Spain has carried out similar regularisation programmes before. Previous governments have legalised hundreds of thousands of migrants, including over 500,000 in the early 2000s.
For migrants like Diana, the new scheme offers hope for a more secure future.
“It will help us in every way,” she said. “We will be able to work legally, pay taxes and build a better life.”
