Spain is to legalise about 300,000 undocumented migrants a yr – at a time that many European international locations are in search of to restrict or deter migration.
The coverage, authorised on Tuesday by Spain’s left-wing minority coalition authorities, goals to sort out the nation’s ageing workforce and low birthrate.
Round 250,000 registered overseas staff a yr are wanted to keep up the nation’s welfare state, in line with migration minister Elma Saiz.
The scheme, because of run from Could subsequent yr till 2027, will permit foreigners residing in Spain with out correct documentation to acquire work permits and residency.
The precise variety of foreigners residing in Spain with out documentation is unclear.
Nevertheless, round 54,000 undocumented migrants reached Spain thus far this yr by sea or land, in line with authorities figures.
Many arrive by way of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago positioned off the coast of northwestern Africa.
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Spain’s minister of inclusion, social safety and migration, Elma Saiz. Pic: AP
The determine compares to the 30,000 individuals who have arrived within the UK by way of small boats throughout the Channel thus far in 2024.
The UK, in addition to different European nations, together with Germany, France, and the Netherlands, have lately taken harder stances on migration.
Nevertheless, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has usually described his authorities’s migration insurance policies as a technique to fight the nation’s low birthrate.
The federal government’s new coverage simplifies the executive processes for brief and long-term visas and offers migrants with extra office protections.
It additionally extends a visa supplied beforehand to job-seekers for 3 months to at least one yr.
Many migrants make a residing in Spain’s underground economic system as fruit pickers, caretakers, supply drivers, or different low-paid jobs.
Migration minister Ms Saiz mentioned the federal government’s new coverage would assist forestall abuse and “serve to combat mafias, fraud and the violation of rights”.
