Spain has opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, offering legal residency and access to work and benefits, framing it as both a human rights issue and an economic necessity.
On January 27, 2026, the Spanish government enacted a law that allows approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants currently residing in Spain to obtain permanent residency. This decision emerges from a coalition agreement between the center-left PSOE and the leftist parties Podemos and Sumar, who comprise the governing coalition in the country. Prime Minister emphasized the need for such a move, stating that welcoming migrants is essential for the economic growth of Spain and addressing labor shortages in various sectors.
The Ministry of Integration, Social Security, and Migration, led by Elma Saiz, hailed this initiative as a 'historic moment.' The regulations aim to provide rights and create new opportunities for individuals living in an undocumented status through simplified procedures for obtaining temporary residence permits. These permits are renewable annually and granted under specific conditions, thus allowing migrants the legal right to stay and work in Spain, which is seen as crucial for their integration into Spanish society.
The Spanish government's approach stands in stark contrast to other countries, notably the Trump administration in the United States, which has been characterized by stringent immigration policies. Spain's decision highlights a growing recognition among some Western nations that migrants can play a vital role in addressing economic challenges, encouraging a broader conversation about immigration policy and human rights in the context of labor needs and demographic changes across Europe.
