The Spanish government has approved the start of the legalization process for illegal migrants already residing in the country. The new measure is expected to grant legal status to over half a million people and become one of the largest migration reforms in recent years.
Spain's Minister of Migration, Elma Sais, called the decision historic, emphasizing that the authorities are strengthening a "migration model based on human rights and compatible with economic growth." According to her, the Cabinet of Ministers has authorized the development of a royal decree that will outline the legalization process.
Under the initiative, migrants who arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, and can confirm at least five months of continuous residence in the country without a criminal record will be eligible for legal status. As part of the immigration legislation reform, applicants will be allowed to work from the first day their documents are approved.
Additionally, all individuals who have applied for asylum by the end of the current year will retain the right to have their applications processed. The application process for legalization is expected to begin in early April and last until June.
The measure was agreed upon with the left-wing party Podemos. The party leader, Ione Belarra, stated that legalization could affect between 500,000 and 800,000 people. According to her, these are individuals who already live in Spain but are forced to work without rights and social protection, calling the initiative one of the largest achievements in labor rights in recent years.
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