Spain's migrant amnesty draws record 900,000 applications

Spain's extraordinary migrant regularisation programme, launched in April and open until 30 June, has received a record 900,000 applications, roughly double the government’s original forecast. The figure, reported by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, is still pending verification for possible duplicate filings.

Around 360,000 of the applications have already been admitted to processing, but the National Police Union warned of “the proliferation of fraud” tied to town‑hall registrations and supporting documents. The Spanish Commission for Refugee Assistance (CEAR) estimated the total could approach one million, noting delays caused by misinformation, limited appointment availability and resource shortages.

Applicants must have lived in Spain continuously for at least five months before 1 January 2026, have no criminal record and meet other criteria to receive a one‑year residency and work permit. The scheme aims to regularise up to 500,000 undocumented migrants, many of whom work in sectors such as hospitality, care and construction. Critics in Spain and abroad have called the amnesty controversial, while the government maintains the process is proceeding normally despite the unprecedented volume.