'Will Not Look Other Way': Spain To Grant Legal Status To 500,000 Undocumented Immigrants

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 20:42 IST

Spanish government to grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, expediting a decree as announced by Elma Saiz, despite criticism from Vox and other right-wing parties.

As per the rules, foreigners who entered Spain before December 31, 2025 and can prove they have been living in the country for at least five months will be eligible. They must also prove they have no criminal record. (AP)

Spanish government has announced that it will grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants.

Associated Press quoted Minister of Migration Elma Saiz saying that the extraordinary measure will be implemented by expediting a decree to amend immigration laws bypassing a similar bill that has stalled in parliament. Eligible immigrants will be granted up to one year of legal residency as well as permission to work.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: “Today is a historic day for our country. We are strengthening a migration model based on human rights, integration, coexistence, and compatibility with economic growth and social cohesion."

He further said the new measure was “necessary to respond to a reality that exists on our streets" and would benefit the country’s economy.

This is in contrast to US President Donald Trump-led administration’s policies to restrict immigration and asylum.

Saiz said Spain “will not look the other way" and the government is “dignifying and recognising people who are already in our country".

As per the rule, foreigners who entered Spain before December 31, 2025m and can prove they have been living in the country for at least five months will be eligible. They must also prove they have no criminal record.

According to AP, many immigrants are from Latin American or African countries working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors.

Saiz said those eligible will likely be able to start applying for their legal status from April until the end of June.

However, this is not the first time pain has granted amnesty to immigrants who are in the country illegally. It has done so six times between 1986 and 2005.

Meanwhile, the Center-right and far-right parties have criticised the announcement.

AP quoted Santiago Abascal, leader of the anti-immigration, far-right party Vox, saying on social media that Sánchez “hated" Spaniards and was “accelerating an invasion," echoing a racist conspiracy theory often used by right-wing extremists.

News world 'Will Not Look Other Way': Spain To Grant Legal Status To 500,000 Undocumented Immigrants

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