Spain approves citizenship bill for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara

Spanish citizenship Western Sahara Sahrawi people naturalization bill diplomatic relations

Spain’s Congress has approved a bill to establish a special pathway to Spanish citizenship for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during the period of Spanish administration. The legislation, which passed with 168 votes in favor, 31 against, and 145 abstentions, must now proceed to the Senate for final approval.

Under the proposed law, individuals born in the territory before September 29, 1977, can apply for nationality through a special procedure without meeting standard residency requirements. The bill also extends eligibility to first-degree descendants. For Sahrawis already legally residing in Spain, the residency requirement for citizenship would be reduced from ten years to two years.

Estimates suggest that between 70,000 and 110,000 people could qualify for this pathway. Supporters view the measure as a way to address historical injustices stemming from Spain’s colonial history in the region. The bill explicitly states that it does not change the territorial status of Western Sahara nor does it recognize an independent Sahrawi state.

The move has drawn attention from Morocco, as the government in Rabat views the strengthening of ties between Spain and the Sahrawi population as a potential geopolitical provocation regarding the disputed territory.

Entities

Alberto Núñez Feijóo · Morocco · Pedro Sánchez · Polisario Front · Popular Party · Spain · Spanish Congress · Western Sahara

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 15 SOURCES] Individuals born in Western Sahara before September 29, 1977, can apply for Spanish nationality without standard residency requirements. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[● 15 SOURCES] Spain’s Congress approved a bill to facilitate Spanish citizenship for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during Spanish occupation. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The proposed law does not change the territorial status of Western Sahara or recognize an independent Sahrawi state. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The bill passed with 168 votes in favor, 31 against, and 145 abstentions. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[● 15 SOURCES] First-degree descendants of eligible Sahrawis are also covered by the citizenship bill. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[DISPUTED] Between 70,000 and 110,000 people could potentially qualify for the new citizenship pathway. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The residency requirement for eligible Sahrawis already living in Spain would be reduced from 10 years to two years. bahamasspectator.com · haitigazette.com · antiguatribune.com · jamaicainquirer.com · trinidadtribune.com · +9 more