Spain wants to legalize the stay of half a million migrants

The Spanish government has presented a draft decree that will allow the legalization of approximately 500,000 illegal immigrants. Those who have lived in the country for at least five months by the end of 2025 and have no criminal record or have applied for asylum will be granted a one-year residence permit (five years for children) with the possibility of renewal.

After ten years, migrants can become citizens, or even sooner if they come from Latin American countries or are refugees.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz noted that the measure will promote economic growth and social cohesion. According to economists, openness to migration has contributed to lower unemployment and the revival of sectors such as hospitality and care.

According to the Funcas think tank, there are approximately 840,000 undocumented migrants in Spain, a sharp increase compared to the past.

The proposal follows a citizens' initiative supported by 700,000 people and more than 900 human rights and church groups. However, parliament blocked the solution. The cabinet can adopt the decree without its consent. The opposition has declared that it will repeal this migration policy if it wins the election.

(reuters, max)