Spain's mass migrant regularisation draws over 1 million applications

Spain’s first large‑scale regularisation of undocumented migrants since 2005 closed on 30 June, receiving 1,174,978 applications. About 52 % of the files have been admitted to processing, granting provisional residency and work permits to roughly 608,000 people, while only 11,000 applications have received a final favourable decision so far.

Applicants such as 22‑year‑old Moroccan Badr Tmairi and 54‑year‑old Peruvian cleaner Rocío Neciosupe describe how lack of legal status leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, homelessness and denial of sick‑pay. Civil‑society groups, trade unions and the Catholic Church backed the scheme, arguing it would integrate migrants who are essential to Spain’s economy as the country approaches 50 million inhabitants.

The government warns that without regularisation Spain could face a demographic decline, citing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s forecast of a 19 % GDP shortfall by 2050 if migration does not offset low birth rates. Critics, including senior police and immigration officials, warn the programme could swell to three million legal residents when family reunifications are counted, straining health, education and social services and exposing the system to fraud.

Analysts also link the surge in population to a broader need for €407 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, highlighting existing pressures on water and rail networks.

The debate continues over how to balance Spain’s labour market needs with the capacity of public services and border management.