Spain has announced a new policy to legalize approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually, starting in May 2022 and continuing through 2027. The initiative is aimed at bolstering the country's workforce and granting work permits and residency to foreigners residing in Spain without proper documentation. Despite tightening borders in other European nations, Spain has maintained an open stance towards migrants.
The Migration Minister highlighted the necessity of around 250,000 registered foreign workers each year to sustain Spain's welfare state. The legalization policy is not only focused on cultural diversity and human rights but also on economic prosperity, according to the Minister.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez views the migration policies as a strategy to address Spain's declining birthrate. In efforts to tackle irregular migration to the Canary Islands, Sánchez visited West African nations earlier this year. The Canary Islands serve as a gateway to Europe for many migrants from countries like Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania.
The new policy, approved by Spain's leftist minority coalition government, streamlines administrative processes for short and long-term visas and enhances labor protections for migrants. It extends the duration of a visa previously offered to job-seekers from three months to one year.
By mid-November, an estimated 54,000 undocumented migrants had arrived in Spain by sea or land this year. The exact number of foreigners living in Spain without proper documentation remains unclear. Many undocumented migrants work in Spain's informal economy, undertaking essential but low-paid jobs such as fruit picking, caregiving, and delivery services.
The Migration Minister emphasized that the new policy would help prevent exploitation and abuse of undocumented migrants, ultimately combating criminal activities and safeguarding their rights. Spain's economy, one of the fastest-growing in the EU, has been boosted by immigration and a resurgence in tourism post-pandemic.
In 2023, Spain issued 1.3 million visas to foreigners, reflecting the country's commitment to facilitating legal migration. The new policy signifies Spain's proactive approach towards integrating undocumented migrants into society and the labor market.
For more migration-related news, visit AP's migration coverage.
