Spain Approves Extraordinary Regularization of Nearly Half a Million Undocumented Migrants

The Spanish Council of Ministers is set to approve a Royal Decree that begins the process of extraordinary regularization for people living in an irregular situation in the country.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made the announcement earlier today in a public letter to citizens, describing the measure as both an act of justice and a practical necessity for Spanish society. In the message, Sánchez expressed pride in Spain’s progress when its people come together.

He explained that the decree will start the process of giving legal status to nearly half a million people who are already part of daily life in Spain – individuals who care for the elderly, work to put food on tables, innovate, start businesses, and help build a richer, more open and diverse country. Sánchez stressed that this regularization is not only about recognizing rights but also about demanding obligations.

According to him, those who already form part of Spanish daily life should do so under equal conditions, contributing to the country’s sustenance and model of coexistence. He pointed out that without new people working and paying taxes, Spain’s prosperity slows down, its capacity for innovation weakens, and public services such as healthcare, pensions and education suffer.

The Prime Minister framed the decision as a continuation of Spain’s historical openness. He recalled how previous generations of Spaniards emigrated in search of better lives and how migrants have helped modernize the country through their work and remittances. “Spain has always chosen the path of integration with justice and shared prosperity,” he wrote, adding that today the country is once again taking that same path.

The process is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants who can prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months before the end of 2025 and have no criminal record. Applications are anticipated to open in early April and run until the end of June 2026. The government has emphasised that the measure provides security and dignity while strengthening the economy and social services.

Sánchez acknowledged that migration brings challenges, but argued that the best response is responsible management through integration rather than exclusion or fear. He noted that the initiative has broad support from civil society, the Church, trade unions, businesses and ordinary citizens who have worked for years to bring this proposal forward through a Popular Legislative Initiative backed by hundreds of thousands of signatures.

The announcement comes at a time when Spain, like other European countries, faces an ageing population and labour shortages in key sectors. Supporters see the regularization as a pragmatic step that will bring people out of the shadows, increase tax revenue and reduce exploitation.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential strain on public services and the need for stricter controls. In his letter, Sánchez concluded by thanking all those who contributed to making this possible and offered congratulations on what he described as a significant achievement for Spanish society.

“Today, once again, I feel proud to be Spanish,” he wrote. The Council of Ministers is expected to formally approve the decree later today, setting in motion one of the largest regularization processes in Spain’s recent history.