Spain’s socialist-led government has taken a bold step in the realm of immigration policy by approving a decree aimed at regularising the status of 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. This initiative, which diverges sharply from the stricter anti-migration measures being adopted across Europe, is set to come into effect in April 2026 and reflects a commitment to human rights and social integration.
Significant Policy Changes
The decree will apply to individuals who have resided in Spain for a minimum of five months, including those who have sought international protection as of December 31, 2025. To qualify for regularisation, applicants must also demonstrate they have no criminal record. Elma Saiz, the Minister for Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, heralded the decision as a “historic day” for Spain, indicating that it aims to dismantle bureaucratic barriers and foster a more inclusive society.
“This initiative reinforces a migratory model based on human rights, integration, and coexistence, which is essential for both economic growth and social cohesion,” Saiz remarked after a cabinet meeting where the decree was approved. The decision was partly influenced by the left-wing Podemos party, which has been a former ally of the ruling Socialists and has pushed for progressive reforms in immigration policy.
Demographic and Economic Considerations
Spain has increasingly positioned itself as an outlier in Europe regarding migration. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously emphasised the necessity of migration for sustaining the nation’s economy and welfare state, particularly in light of an ageing population. “Migration has historically been a catalyst for national development, while xenophobia has proven to be destructive,” Sánchez stated during a parliamentary address in October 2024.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by Spain’s declining birth rates and the consequent need for a robust workforce to support economic recovery and growth. In recent years, migrants have played a crucial role in reducing unemployment rates to their lowest levels since the financial crisis of 2008. The government’s move to regularise undocumented migrants is, therefore, not just a humanitarian issue but also an economic imperative.
Mixed Reactions
The announcement has received a mixed response both domestically and internationally. Laetitia Van der Vennet from the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (Picum) welcomed the measure, stating it serves as a reminder that regularisation is both viable and beneficial. “For thousands of undocumented individuals who have established their lives in Spain, this decision can bring dignity, stability, and access to essential rights,” she noted.
Conversely, the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have vehemently opposed the initiative. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of using this decree as a distraction from other pressing issues, including a recent tragic rail crash that resulted in multiple fatalities. Meanwhile, Vox’s Santiago Abascal has resorted to inflammatory rhetoric, invoking fears of a demographic shift and calling for mass deportations under the guise of “remigration.”
The Historical Context of Regularisation
Regularisation programmes are not new in Europe; between 1996 and 2008, over a dozen countries implemented 43 similar initiatives. In Spain, nine regularisation efforts have been executed since the return to democracy, with the PP overseeing the majority. The current push for reform originated from a citizen’s initiative that garnered over 700,000 signatures, supported by approximately 900 social organisations.
Spain’s decision stands in stark contrast to the tightening immigration policies seen elsewhere in Europe. Even leaders of far-right parties, who typically advocate against migration, have had to acknowledge its necessity. For instance, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni announced plans to issue nearly 500,000 new work visas for non-EU nationals, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of migrant workers.
Why it Matters
This groundbreaking decree not only represents a significant shift in Spain’s immigration policy but also sets a precedent for other European nations grappling with similar challenges. In an era marked by rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment, Spain’s decision could inspire a reevaluation of how countries address migration, focusing on integration and human rights rather than exclusion. The implications for social cohesion, economic stability, and international cooperation are profound, making this a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding migration in Europe.
