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Spain launches residency scheme for undocumented migrants
Peruvian migrant Diana arrived in Spain two years ago seeking financial stability but has struggled without legal residency. Now, a new government initiative offers hope to her and hundreds of thousands like her.
Life without papers
Diana, 40, has worked sporadic jobs since moving from Peru but faces exploitation due to her undocumented status. Employers often pay less than agreed or change job terms without notice, leaving her vulnerable to financial and health risks.
Access to housing and banking services remains restricted for migrants without residency papers, compounding Spain's rental crisis. Diana describes the experience as isolating and stressful.
"Working without residency documents is hard because employers can tell you one thing and then get you to do something else. Sometimes they pay you less than what you've agreed to, so that makes things tough."
Diana, undocumented migrant in Spain
Government announces one-year residency visa
Spain's Socialist-led coalition government will open applications for a one-year, renewable residency visa from April to June. Applicants must prove five months of residence in Spain and have no criminal record.
Officials estimate 500,000 migrants could benefit, though leaked police reports suggest the number may exceed 1 million. The scheme aims to address labour shortages in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and elderly care, where undocumented workers are prevalent.
Economic and humanitarian justifications
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the initiative as both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. Foreign workers, who make up 14.1% of Spain's 22 million registered employees, have driven half the country's economic growth since 2022, according to Minister for Inclusion Elma Saiz.
"Foreign workers play a very important role when it comes to Spain's macroeconomic success: the growth of its GDP, its strong and resilient labour market."
Elma Saiz, Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Immigration
A 2024 central bank report projected Spain will need 25 million migrants over the next 30 years to sustain its economy and social security system.
Businesses back scheme despite implementation concerns
Farmers' association ASAJA and the main employers' group CEOE support the regularisation but urge long-term contracts for agricultural workers. CEOE also criticised the government's use of a decree instead of parliamentary approval.
"We are in favour of this new initiative as long as the legalisation of immigrants translates into them getting long-term contracts to work in the countryside."
Francisco José García Navarrete, ASAJA Madrid representative
Political backlash and EU scrutiny
Opposition parties have condemned the plan. Conservative leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo called it a failure of immigration policy, while far-right Vox warned of a "pull effect" attracting more migrants. The European Commission cautioned Spain to prevent misuse of residency permits for travel to other EU countries.
"Mass regularisation is the confirmation of the lack of an immigration policy."
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, People's Party leader
Hope for migrants and Spain's future
At a Madrid workshop run by migrant support group Aculco, Peruvian Manuel shared his relief. After losing his elderly care job when his asylum claim was rejected, he has relied on savings. The regularisation scheme, he said, will allow him to work legally and contribute to social security.
"This will change the lives of a lot of people. It's going to mean that a lot of people are going to be able to keep their heads above the water, and with their contribution to the social security system, Spaniards are also going to benefit."
Pilar Rodríguez, immigration lawyer
