The article highlights that for migrants in Spain, regularization extends far beyond merely obtaining an administrative permit; it opens doors to signing contracts, contributing to social security, renting housing without fear, and planning for the future. For businesses, it alleviates the long-standing issue of filling job vacancies, while the broader economy benefits by transitioning workers from the informal sector to the formal labor market. The recent announcement of a new extraordinary regularization process has reignited discussions about immigration policy in Spain.

Furthermore, the article points out that the key question is not just about the number of individuals affected or the timeline for implementation, but rather the crucial phase that follows regularization. The latest OECD Economic Report on Spain indicates that while regularization can improve the situation for many, the real economic impact hinges on active and effective integration policies. This means that simply granting regularization is not enough; comprehensive measures must be in place to support migrants’ transition into fully integrated members of the economy.

In conclusion, the authors stress that without effective integration strategies, the potential benefits of regularization may not fully materialize. Consequently, it is imperative for policymakers to focus on the implementation of active measures that ensure migrants can genuinely contribute to and thrive within the formal labor market, ultimately benefiting the economy as a whole.