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Madrid – Spain has received almost 1.2 million applications for residence and work permits since launching its migrant regularisation programme earlier this year, making it one of the country’s largest immigration initiatives in recent history.
According to Spain’s migration authorities, more than half of all submitted applications have already been processed. The programme, introduced in April 2026, officially closed for new applications this week. Officials now have up to three months to decide whether to approve or reject the remaining cases.
Migration Minister Pilar Cancela said that around 67% of applicants originate from Latin America, with Colombians accounting for approximately 25.9% of the total. Applicants from African countries make up nearly 22.9%, with many coming from Morocco.
Government figures also show that the vast majority of applicants are of working age. Roughly 80% are younger than 45, while men represent 57% of applicants compared with 43% women.
To qualify under the programme, migrants had to demonstrate that they had been living in Spain continuously for at least five months before 1 January 2026 and possess a clean criminal record.
Spain Takes a Different Approach
The initiative reflects the migration strategy of the government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which contrasts with the tougher immigration policies adopted by several other European Union member states.
Sánchez has defended the programme as an economic necessity, arguing that Spain’s ageing population and labour shortages require additional workers. At the same time, he acknowledged that successful integration remains a significant challenge that will require continued investment and planning.
Spanish business organisations have generally welcomed the measure, viewing it as a way to address workforce shortages across multiple sectors.
Opposition Raises Concerns
The programme has faced criticism from conservative and right-wing political parties, which argue that granting legal status to large numbers of undocumented migrants could encourage further irregular migration into Spain.
The debate has also attracted attention beyond Spain. In Austria, the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) criticised the initiative, claiming it could have wider implications for the Schengen Area and European migration policy. Party representatives argued that the programme may act as a pull factor for future migrants, while supporters maintain that it provides legal certainty for people already living and working in Spain.
As Spain begins reviewing the remaining applications, the programme is expected to remain at the centre of Europe’s ongoing debate over migration, labour shortages, border security and integration policies.
