Spain to Grant Legal Status to 300,000 Undocumented Immigrants Annually in Major Reform
Spain plans to legalize around 300,000 undocumented immigrants per year over the next three years, a transformative move aimed at strengthening its labor force and addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. Migration Minister Elma Saiz announced the ambitious reform on Tuesday, emphasizing the critical economic role of immigration in ensuring the nation’s future prosperity.
“Spain has to opt between being an open, prosperous country or a closed and poor one, and we have chosen the former,” Saiz stated. She highlighted the need for 250,000 to 300,000 tax-paying foreign workers annually to sustain the country’s welfare system. The reform simplifies procedures for obtaining work and residence permits, allowing migrants to register as either self-employed or salaried workers. Additionally, it ensures robust labor rights protections, including safeguards against discrimination and enforcement of fair wages.
Boosting Economic Growth
Spain’s economy, the fastest-growing in the European Union, has benefited significantly from the contributions of skilled immigrants, particularly from Latin America. These workers have alleviated labor shortages in key sectors such as technology and hospitality. The nation’s gross domestic product expanded by 3.4% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, underscoring the economic vitality fueled by migrant workers.
Fitch Ratings reported that net migration in 2022 surpassed the total from the entire previous decade, effectively expanding Spain’s working-age population and mitigating the demographic pressures of an aging native-born population. Over the 2024-2028 period, the growth in the working-age population is expected to moderate but still outpace that of other European nations, supporting Spain’s economic momentum. To accommodate this growth, the government is making targeted investments in healthcare, education, and public infrastructure.
New Opportunities for Migrants
The reforms introduce longer-term visas to support greater flexibility for migrants. Job-seeker visas will now be valid for 12 months instead of three, offering migrants more time to secure employment. Similarly, international students will be allowed to work up to 30 hours per week under their study visas, boosting their economic contributions while they pursue education in Spain.
While these measures are progressive, public opinion on immigration remains split. A survey conducted by 40dB for El País and Cadena Ser in October revealed that 57% of Spaniards believe there is “too much” immigration. Furthermore, 54% of respondents overestimated the proportion of migrants in Spain, which is officially 18.5% of the population.
A Contrasting European Approach
Spain’s inclusive immigration policy sets it apart from other European nations such as Italy and Germany, which are tightening border controls in response to migration challenges. Spain’s leftist minority coalition government has embraced immigration as a critical component of its economic strategy, framing it as vital for sustaining the welfare state and fostering long-term prosperity.
By integrating migrants into its workforce and providing them with clear legal pathways, Spain is positioning itself as a leader in addressing Europe’s demographic and labor challenges. Its policies could serve as a blueprint for other nations grappling with similar issues.