Spain gears up for its biggest migrant amnesty in 20 years as the government plans to legalise half a million undocumented foreigners—sparking fierce backlash from conservatives and the far right.
Half a million migrants to get legal status by royal decree
Spain’s socialist government is fast-tracking a sweeping migrant regularisation scheme by issuing a royal decree, skipping parliament altogether. Applications open this April and close at the end of June.
Migrants must have no criminal record and prove residency in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. Successful applicants will get a one-year residence permit, renewable afterwards.
Undocumented migrant numbers soar, sparking political outrage
The number of undocumented migrants in Spain has exploded from 107,409 in 2017 to a staggering 837,938 by 2025. Major migrant groups come from Colombia, Peru, and Honduras, according to conservative think-tank Funcas.
Conservative People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo slammed the amnesty, warning it will act as a “pull factor” and “overwhelm public services.” Meanwhile, far-right Vox has vowed to oppose the decree in the Supreme Court, calling it “an attack on Spanish identity.”
Government hails migrant amnesty as an economic win
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised migrants as drivers of “wealth, development and prosperity,” highlighting their vital role in social security contributions.
Spain’s unemployment has recently fallen below 10% for the first time since 2008. Economic growth is forecast near 3% in 2025, outperforming much of the EU.
Inclusion Minister Elma Saiz described the policy as “historic,” stressing its focus on human rights, integration, and boosting the economy.
Legal battles loom amid fierce national debate
By bypassing parliament, the government aims to roll out the amnesty swiftly despite strong political opposition. Vox is preparing a Supreme Court challenge, though the legal timeline remains unclear.
On the other side, far-left party Podemos fiercely campaigned for mass migrant legalisation. Ex-minister Irene Montero said: “Providing rights is the answer to racism.” Their petition gathered 700,000 signatures before the government finally took action.
This bold Spanish move stands out in Europe, marking the largest and most humane amnesty for undocumented migrants in decades. It continues a pattern shaped by Latin American immigration and previous Spanish amnesties dating from 1986 to 2005.
