World Immigration News

(Reuters)Spain receives 900,000 applications in migrant legalisation drive, double expected demand

Release Date: 2026-06-15
Media: Reuters
Summary: Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a special regularization program, far exceeding the government's original estimate of 500,000 applications. Refugee support organizations expect the total number of applications to surpass one million before the program closes.

The initiative aims to integrate undocumented migrants into the formal labor market and address labor shortages in key sectors such as hospitality and elderly care. Spain has remained relatively open to immigration compared with many other European countries, and migrants have contributed significantly to the country's recent economic growth and social security system.

Since April, the government has granted approximately 360,000 temporary work permits, representing about 40% of the applications received. Applicants are allowed to begin working once their cases are accepted for processing, although the number of requests is expected to exceed the number of permits ultimately granted.

The program also highlights longstanding problems in Spain’s immigration system, where many migrants wait years for asylum or residency decisions. According to estimates, about 840,000 undocumented migrants have been living and working in Spain while awaiting legal status. Refugee advocacy groups welcomed the regularization effort but argued that Spain needs permanent structural reforms to make work and residence permits more accessible and to prevent migrants from being pushed to the margins of society.
Tags: Spain