The government led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has launched an emergency program to regularize the status of migrants living illegally in the country. In the first week of the program, more than 130,000 people have applied for official registration. The government sees the initiative as an important step in combating the “shadow” economy and integrating migrants into society. Under the new rules, those who can prove that they have been permanently resident in Spain and have not been prosecuted by 2026 will be eligible for regularization.
According to general estimates, the initiative could cover up to 500,000 people who are currently living in the country without documents. The application process will last until the end of June this year and can be completed online or in person. However, the first days of work have been marked by administrative difficulties, queues and disruptions in the registration system. Local authorities have also expressed concerns that the measure will put an additional burden on health and social services. However, official Madrid emphasizes that the measure will protect the labor rights of thousands of workers and allow them to pay insurance premiums to the state treasury.
