Spain to Grant Residency and Work Permits to 900,000 Migrants Over Three Years
Key Highlights:
- New Policy Implementation (2025-2027): Spain plans to regularize over 300,000 undocumented migrants annually, providing pathways to residency or work permits starting May 2025. The initiative aims to address labor shortages and demographic challenges caused by an aging population.
- Focus on Inclusion: The strategy prioritizes integrating undocumented migrants into the labor market through training, employment opportunities, and family support. It emphasizes legal clarity and adherence to human rights standards.
“This regulation opens doors previously closed, providing pathways via employment, training, and family,” said Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
- Application Improvements: The policy reforms streamline residency and work permit applications, including extending a job-seeker visa from three months to one year. Migrants will be allowed to register as salaried or self-employed workers with access to labor rights.
Labor Market Challenges:
Spain needs approximately 250,000 workers to sustain its economy. Instead of relying solely on foreign recruitment, the government plans to utilize the workforce already present in the country, with 54,000 undocumented migrants entering Spain irregularly between January and November 2024—a 15.8% rise compared to 2023.
Migration Trends and Data:
- Key Nationalities: Algerians, Moroccans, and Malians are the primary groups entering Spain irregularly, particularly via the western Mediterranean route and the Canary Islands.
- EU Context: Spain’s measures come amid increasing irregular migration across Europe. In 2024, the EU recorded 139,847 irregular border crossings, with the Central Mediterranean route being the most heavily trafficked.
This initiative reflects Spain’s commitment to addressing demographic and labor needs while improving the situation for undocumented migrants already residing within its borders.
