Spain approves decree to regularise half a million undocumented migrants

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Sam Jones in Madrid and Ashifa Kassam European community affairs correspondent January 27, 2026 at 02:57 PM

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Spain's government approved a decree to regularize an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers. The decree, expected to take effect in April, requires applicants to demonstrate they have no criminal record and resided in Spain for at least five months or sought international protection before December 31, 2025. The government stated the initiative aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles and promote a migration model based on human rights, integration, and economic growth. The decision follows pressure from the Podemos party and reflects Spain's view that migration is necessary for economic growth and to support its welfare state, contrasting with anti-migration policies in other parts of Europe.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Europe 40% Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (Picum) 40% Ione Belarra 50% Pedro Sánchez 50% Podemos ×360% Elma Saiz ×270% Spain ×890%

Keywords

undocumented migrants 100% regularisation 90% spain 70% migration policy 70% asylum seekers 60% human rights 50% economic growth 50% social cohesion 50% welfare state 40% demographic change 40%