Spain Announces Groundbreaking Amnesty for Unauthorised Immigrants
In a surprise announcement, Spain's government has revealed plans to grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants residing and working in the country without proper authorisation. This bold measure, announced on Tuesday 27 January 2026, marks a significant departure from the increasingly restrictive immigration policies seen in the United States and much of Europe.
Expedited Decree to Bypass Parliamentary Stalemate
Spanish Minister of Migration Elma Saiz confirmed that the extraordinary initiative will be implemented by expediting a decree to amend existing immigration laws. This approach bypasses a similar bill that had stalled in parliament, allowing for swifter action. Eligible immigrants will receive up to one year of legal residency alongside permission to work, providing a pathway to stability.
Saiz emphasised the government's commitment, stating, "We will not look the other way" and highlighting that this move "dignifies and recognizes people who are already in our country." The measure is estimated to benefit around 500,000 individuals living without authorisation in Spain, though some organisations suggest the number could be as high as 800,000.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
To qualify, foreigners must have arrived in Spain before 31 December 2025 and provide proof of residence for at least five months. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record. Saiz anticipates that the application window will open in April and run until the end of June, with resources allocated to ensure smooth processing despite warnings from police unions about potential system overload.
Many of those eligible hail from Latin American or African nations, working in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and services—key drivers of Spain's thriving economy.
Political Backdrop and International Contrast
The announcement follows a last-minute agreement between the ruling Socialist Party and the leftist Podemos party, securing parliamentary support for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's fragile government. This move starkly contrasts with harsher policies elsewhere, notably in the U.S. under the Trump administration.
Irene Montero, a European Parliament lawmaker with Podemos, underscored this divergence, remarking, "If they kidnap children, murder and terrorize people, we give them papers." The decision has been celebrated by migrant rights groups and Catholic associations, who had campaigned vigorously for such measures.
Economic and Social Implications
This is not Spain's first amnesty; similar actions occurred six times between 1986 and 2005. Anna Terrón Cusi, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, noted that past measures had a strong impact on the workforce, legalising workers and creating formal jobs. She explained that this initiative allows Spain to "reset the counter" ahead of the new European migration and asylum pact, which emphasises deportations.
Terrón added that granting legal status protects undocumented workers and bolsters the Spanish economy, countering narratives that portray immigration negatively.
Opposition Criticism and Broader Context
Centre-right and far-right parties have condemned the move. Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the Popular Party accused Sánchez of diverting attention from a recent deadly train crash, while Santiago Abascal of Vox claimed the government was "accelerating an invasion," echoing extremist rhetoric.
Despite this, Spain, which has historically welcomed millions from South America and Africa, aims to remain a "beacon" against rising anti-immigration sentiment. Saiz concluded, "I believe that today is a great day for our country," reaffirming Spain's commitment to humane and sensible migration policies.
