Europe Asia News

The measure will affect those who have lived in Spain for at least five months and who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025.

Spain’s Minister for Migration, Elma Saiz, said beneficiaries would be able to work “anywhere in the country, in any sector,” and praised the “positive impact” of migration.

Speaking to public broadcaster RTVE, she said, “We are talking about estimates; the figures could probably be around half a million.”

At a press conference after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Saiz said: “We are strengthening a migration model that is compatible with human rights, integration, coexistence, and economic growth and social cohesion.”

Applicants must have a clean criminal record. The regulation will also apply to their children who are already living in Spain.

The application period is expected to begin in April and continue until the end of June.

The plan will be implemented by decree and will not require parliamentary approval from the Socialist-led coalition, which lacks a majority.

Conservative and far-right opposition parties strongly criticized the government, saying the measure would encourage more illegal immigration.