Spain is set to undergo a transformative change in its migration policy, as it plans to legalize approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually from 2025 until 2027.
This new policy initiative, articulated by Spain’s Migration Minister Elma Saiz, is designed to bolster the country’s aging workforce and provide undocumented migrants the opportunity to obtain work permits and residency. While numerous European nations are tightening their borders, Spain maintains an open stance towards migrants, emphasizing its need for foreign workers to sustain its welfare state.
Spain requires around 250,000 registered foreign workers each year, according to Saiz, who highlighted that the legalization effort is not only about cultural enrichment and human rights but also about economic prosperity. “Today, we can say Spain is a better country,” Saiz remarked in an interview with Radiotelevisión Española.
This policy is part of a broader strategy by Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to address the country’s low birthrate. The Prime Minister has previously visited West African nations to manage migration flows to the Canary Islands, noted as a common entry point for migrants seeking better opportunities in Europe.
The policy, approved by Spain’s leftist minority coalition government, aims to streamline administrative processes for visas and extend labor protections for migrants. One key change includes lengthening the visa term offered to job-seekers from three months to a year, which helps in stabilizing their status and enhancing their rights.
The Interior Ministry reports that by mid-November 2024, about 54,000 undocumented migrants had entered Spain via sea or land. Many of these individuals find work in the informal sector, performing tasks like fruit picking or delivery driving, roles often unattractive to local Spaniards. Without legal protection, they are susceptible to exploitation—a concern Saiz believes this policy will address.
Saiz emphasized that the new legalization framework “will help prevent exploitation and abuse,” and combat illegal activities such as mafia operations and fraud. With this adjustment, Spain not only aims to shield migrants but also intends to support its economic growth, which has been one of the fastest in the European Union this year.
In 2023, the Spanish government issued 1.3 million visas to foreign nationals, demonstrating its significant commitment to facilitating lawful migration and enhancing its labor market.
Spain’s decision to legalize hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants represents a forward-thinking approach to migration, aiming to reinforce its economy and uphold human rights. This policy highlights Spain’s distinctive position in Europe and its dedication to addressing both demographic challenges and economic opportunities.
Source: Sun-sentinel
