Spain’s left-leaning coalition government was set to approve a decree on Tuesday that will grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, according to Elma Saiz (main image), the Minister of Social Security, Migration and Inclusion, marking a clear departure from tougher approaches adopted elsewhere in Europe.
Speaking to public broadcaster RTVE, Saiz said those covered by the measure would be allowed to work ‘in any sector, in any part of the country’, underlining what she described as ‘the positive impact’ of migration.
‘We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people,’ she said, adding that the move was aimed at ‘recognising and dignifying’ people already living in Spain. ALSO READ: ‘We owe a lot to them’ – Sánchez hails benefits of ‘safe, orderly, regular migration’.
Ministry sources said the regularisation would apply to migrants who have been resident in Spain for at least five months and who submitted applications for international protection before 31 December 2025.
The scheme will also extend to the children of applicants who are already living in Spain, the sources said.
Saiz added that applications would be accepted from April until the end of June.
The decree does not require parliamentary approval, a key factor given that the PSOE socialist-led coalition does not command a majority in parliament.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly argued that immigration is essential to address labour shortages and to offset Spain’s ageing population, which he says threatens the sustainability of pensions and the welfare system. ALSO READ: PM Sánchez defends Spain’s immigration model, urging Europe to take note.
The government’s comparatively open migration policy stands in sharp contrast to developments elsewhere in the European Union, where far-right parties campaigning on anti-immigration platforms have gained support. ALSO READ: Mauritania and Spain pledge cooperation on migration and to combat people smuggling.
Spain remains one of the main entry points for migrants arriving in Europe, with tens of thousands reaching the Canary Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Africa. ALSO READ: Spanish government unveils 3-year strategy to boost ties with Africa.
However, irregular arrivals fell by more than 40% in 2025, largely due to a significant reduction in crossings along the dangerous Atlantic route from west Africa to the Canary Islands. ALSO READ: Irregular migration to Spain dropped by over 40% in 2025.
Official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) show that more than seven million foreign nationals live in Spain, out of a total population of 49.4 million.
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— Ministerio Inclusión Seguridad Social Migraciones (@inclusiongob) January 27, 2026
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