Spain processes record 1.2 million residency applications from irregular migrants

Between mid‑April and 30 June, Spain received 1,174,978 requests from undocumented migrants for residence and work permits – a record volume. More than 600,000 of those were already deemed admissible. The applicants are predominantly young men; about 80 % are under 45 and 57 % are male.

Two‑thirds of the demand comes from Latin America, led by Colombia (25.9 % of applicants), followed by Venezuela, Peru and other nations. Applicants from Africa account for roughly 23 % of the total, with Morocco the largest African source (13.3 %). To qualify, migrants must prove at least five consecutive months of residence in Spain before 1 January and have no criminal record. The government estimates that around 500,000 people may ultimately be regularised.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's socialist administration launched the scheme to address acute labour shortages in sectors such as construction, arguing that legal, safe and orderly migration is essential for economic recovery. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from the centre‑right Popular Party and the far‑right Vox, which label the move an “invasion” and warn it could encourage illegal entry. Authorities have three months to examine each file and decide on the issuance of permits that are valid only within Spain.