SPAIN has approved a major plan to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, allowing them to officially join the country’s workforce.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the decision as both a matter of justice and an economic necessity. He explained that the policy recognizes the large number of migrants already living and contributing to Spanish society.
In a public message, Sánchez said the initiative aims to formalize the status of nearly half a million people who are already part of daily life in Spain. He also highlighted the role migrants play in supporting public services and strengthening the economy.
Under the new plan, eligible migrants will receive a one-year renewable residence permit. To qualify, applicants must show they have lived in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record. Applications will be open from mid-April until the end of June.
The government argues that the policy will help address labour shortages in an ageing population. Spain faces demographic pressure as its workforce shrinks, increasing demand for migrant workers in key sectors.
Officials also pointed out that Spain has a long history of migration flows, including periods when Spanish citizens left the country in search of better opportunities.
Opposition parties, however, strongly criticised the plan. The conservative People’s Party argued that the measure could encourage illegal migration and may lead to higher numbers of applicants than the government estimates.
Some reports suggest that as many as one million undocumented migrants could apply under the scheme, according to opposition claims.
Despite political tensions, the plan has received support from several civil society groups, including the Catholic Church, which welcomed the move as a step toward inclusion and dignity for migrants.
Economic experts note that Spain already hosts hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, many of whom come from Latin America. Analysts say legal recognition could improve working conditions and increase tax contributions.
This is not the first time Spain has introduced such a measure. In 2005, the country granted residency to more than 577,000 people under a similar regularisation programme.
The new policy reflects a broader European debate, as some countries tighten immigration rules while others adopt more flexible approaches to address labour shortages and demographic decline.
