Spain Approves Historic Amnesty Plan to Legalize 500,000 Undocumented Migrants

In a landmark move that has sparked intense domestic debate, the Spanish government officially approved a massive regularization plan today, April 15, 2026. The initiative aims to grant legal residency and work permits to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants currently living in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the move as a "matter of justice and economic necessity," emphasizing that integrating these individuals into the formal workforce is essential to sustain Spain's aging population and public services. To qualify, applicants must prove they have resided in the country for at least five months and maintain a clean criminal record. While the ruling coalition views this as a strategic win for the economy, the opposition People’s Party (PP) has strongly criticized the plan, arguing it creates a "pull effect" that could encourage further illegal migration. Despite the political friction, the Ministry of Migration confirmed that applications will open tomorrow and run until the end of June. Business sectors, particularly in agriculture and hospitality, have welcomed the news, citing chronic labor shortages that have hampered growth over the last fiscal year.