Spain has introduced a legal reform aimed at enhancing protections for migrants and streamlining the process for obtaining short- and long-term visas. The changes will allow job-seeker visas to be extended for up to a year. Under the new law, passed by the leftist minority coalition, the status of 300,000 irregular migrants will be regularized annually through 2027.
Immigration Minister Elma Saez announced that the newly adopted legal reform will apply to foreigners already residing in Spain. According to Saez, the legislation aims to address the country’s aging workforce by granting work and residence permits to undocumented migrants living within its borders.
The legislative reform also seeks to protect refugees from labor market exploitation, addressing Spain’s growing demand for foreign workers. Saez emphasized that legalizing immigrants’ status is not only a step toward cultural enrichment and the respect of human rights but also a path to economic prosperity. Speaking to Española Radio and TV, Saez stated, “Spain needs about 250,000 registered foreign workers annually to sustain the welfare state.” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously highlighted that the government’s immigration policy also aims to address the country’s declining birth rate.
The Spanish economy has experienced rapid growth this year, driven by several factors, including the recovery of the tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, migrants working in the informal economy—particularly in roles such as cleaning, delivery services, and other low-wage jobs—have played a crucial role in this economic boost.
Migrants are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, making it essential to protect their contributions to the economy. According to the Minister of Migration, the recent legal reform seeks to prevent labor abuses and combat organized crime and fraud. “The law opens doors that were previously closed through three key pillars: training, employment, and family,” Saez explained. “These pillars pave the way for integration, but with high standards for legal requirements and human rights.”
According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, from the start of the year through mid-November, Spain received over 54,000 illegal immigrants—an increase of 15.8% compared to 2023. Additionally, the government issued 1.3 million visas to foreigners in 2023.
Spain’s immigration policy is notably more open to accepting migrants, in contrast to many European Union countries, where borders are being closed, asylum and immigration procedures are being tightened, and deportations are being expedited.
Last August, Prime Minister Sánchez visited three West African countries in an effort to address the migration crisis impacting Spain’s Canary Islands. The archipelago, located off the coast of Africa, serves as a key entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Many young people from Mali, Senegal, and other parts of Africa are drawn to Europe in search of better job opportunities and improved living conditions.
