More than one million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers have applied for legal residency under Spain's mass regularisation programme, marking one of Europe's largest immigration initiatives.

Long queues formed nationwide as applicants rushed to register before the government deadline, with the number of applications doubling initial expectations. The programme grants eligible migrants a one-year residence and work permit if they can prove no criminal record and residence or international protection status in Spain before the eligibility cutoff.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the policy, stating that migrants are vital to Spain's future by addressing labour shortages, countering the ageing population, and contributing significantly to economic growth. This initiative distinguishes Spain from many European countries that have recently tightened irregular migration policies.

However, rights groups have raised concerns about administrative challenges faced by applicants, including delays in obtaining official documents. They warn that some migrants could still be denied legal status despite submitting applications before the deadline.

FILE images show migrants queuing at public service offices in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat near Barcelona to obtain necessary paperwork.

Sources