Spain Finalizes Amnesty Allowing Up to 840,000 Undocumented Immigrants Legal Status

Spain finalized a migrant amnesty measure paving the way for potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants to apply for legal status.

“Spain’s government has approved an amnesty programme that will allow an estimated 500,000 undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status”

Al Jazeera

The measure allows those who arrived before January 1 and have lived in Spain for at least five months to seek a one-year residency and work permit.

Al Jazeera

Prime Minister Sánchez hailed the measure as an act of justice and a necessity.

The government estimates half a million could be eligible; Funcas estimates 840,000.

The amnesty was fast-tracked via royal decree to bypass parliament.

Applicants must prove five months' residence using public or private documents.

They must show they have no criminal record.

Associated Press

After one year, they can apply for longer-term permits.

A union representing immigration officers demanded more resources.

The opposition Popular Party called it unsustainable.

Spain's population has risen to around 50 million, with 10 million born outside the country.

Many immigrants come from Colombia, Venezuela, and Morocco.

The government argues immigration is linked to economic growth.

Spain has been among the fastest-growing EU economies for two years.

Minor children can be regularized with five-year permits.

Extraordinary regularizations are not new in Spain.

Governments of all stripes have carried out six mass legalizations between 1986 and 2005.

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The current measure was fast-tracked to bypass parliament.

Opposition leader Feijóo criticized the move as unsustainable.

The government remains firm in its intention to implement the amnesty.