Spain Approves Fast-Track Plan to Regularize Up to 500,000 Undocumented Migrants

Overview

• The government, using an executive Royal Decree approved Tuesday by the Council of Ministers, set a rapid rollout with publication expected Wednesday, digital filings opening April 16, in‑person interviews starting April 20, and a June 30 target to finish.
• Eligibility requires arrival before January 1, 2026, proof of at least five months of continuous residence, ties through work, family or vulnerability, and no criminal record, with applicants booking online and then attending a face‑to‑face interview.
• Approved applicants receive a one‑year residence and work permit, a Social Security number, and access to public healthcare, with decisions expected within about ten weeks and the permit renewable under existing rules.
• Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the step as recognition of people already part of daily life, while the Church, unions and business groups voiced support; the Partido Popular called the plan unjust and risky, Vox said it will go to the Supreme Court, and police unions warned about fraud and identity‑check gaps.
• Officials say the measure will add tax and social‑security contributors in sectors short of workers such as care, agriculture, tourism and services, and they revised criminal‑record rules after the Council of State’s review, though high application volumes could test verification systems and local services.