‘It’s like a gift from God’: undocumented foreign workers welcome Spanish amnesty

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Sam Jones in MadridJanuary 31, 2026 at 06:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

The Spanish government recently announced plans to regularize 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers to boost economic growth and social cohesion. The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some, like a young Bangladeshi worker and the president of the Valiente Bangla Association, view the amnesty as a much-needed opportunity for stability and access to essential services, conservative political leaders criticize it. They argue that the move rewards "illegality," could strain public services, and might encourage further immigration. The Valiente Bangla Association president also noted the amnesty as a counter to the far-right Vox party's anti-immigrant stance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Europe 40% Bangladeshi 50% Madrid ×260% People's Party (PP) 70% Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) 70% Valiente Bangla Association ×370% Santiago Abascal 70% Alberto Núñez Feijóo 70% Mohammed Elahi Alam Alam ×280% Vox ×280% Spanish Government 80% Spain ×290%

Keywords

undocumented migrants 100% spanish amnesty 90% economic growth 70% social cohesion 70% foreign workers 60% public services 50% political trends 40% illegality 40%