POLICY BRIEF: 2026-09-24
⏱ 3 min read

Executive Summary

Spain’s recent legalization program has drawn 1.17 million applications, far exceeding expectations. This initiative, aimed at regularizing undocumented migrants, primarily from South America, highlights Spain’s progressive approach to addressing labor shortages and fostering social integration, despite criticism from conservative and EU partners.

Spain has a long history of migration, shaped by its geographic position as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Over the years, the country has implemented various regularization programs to address the challenges posed by undocumented migration. These programs aim to integrate migrants into the formal economy and society, ensuring they contribute to social security and benefit from legal protections.

The latest program, launched in April 2023 and concluded on June 30, represents one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years. It was driven by a 2024 citizen initiative supported by over 700,000 signatures and backed by humanitarian organizations, unions, businesses, and the Catholic Church. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the economic and social contributions of migrants, as well as the need to address labor shortages in key sectors.

Motivations Behind the Policy: The Spanish government, led by the Socialist Party, introduced this program to address two critical issues: the high number of undocumented migrants and the country’s labor market needs. With nearly half of new jobs in 2022 filled by foreign workers, sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare are heavily reliant on migrant labor. Legalizing undocumented workers allows them to contribute formally to the economy and alleviates labor shortages.

Unexpected Scale of Applications: The government initially anticipated around 500,000 applications but received 1.17 million, underscoring the significant demand for regularization. This overwhelming response highlights the precarious situation of many undocumented migrants who have lived and worked in Spain for years without legal status. It also reflects the trust placed in the government to deliver on its promises of integration and protection.

Political and International Reactions: While the program has been praised by employers and humanitarian groups, it has faced criticism from conservative parties like the Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox Party. They argue that such initiatives could encourage more irregular migration. Additionally, some EU partners, particularly Italy, have expressed concerns about the potential ripple effects on migration flows across Europe. Despite these criticisms, the Spanish government has defended the program as a necessary step toward social cohesion and economic stability.

Impact on Migrants

Spain’s legalization program marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges of undocumented migration while meeting labor market demands. As the government processes the applications, the success of this initiative will depend on its ability to ensure efficient implementation and long-term integration of migrants into society.