Spain to Legalize 500,000 Undocumented Workers

Spain is preparing a new program to help hundreds of thousands of irregular migrants obtain legal work and stable residency. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez intends to regularize around 500,000 workers currently employed in the informal economy.

Migration Minister Pilar Cancela said more than 200,000 applications were received in the first month alone.

Madrid argues that migration is an economic necessity. Spain is estimated to need millions of additional workers in the coming years to support its social security system and offset the effects of an ageing population.

The program also aims to match migrants with employers in sectors facing labor shortages, particularly construction, tourism, transport and care services.

The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from right-wing parties in Spain and across Europe, with opponents citing potential abuse of the system and pressure on the labor market. The government maintains that the measure is a pragmatic step toward promoting economic growth and stabilizing public finances.

(reuters, max)