Spain's migrant regularisation draws over 1.2 million applications

The Spanish government’s extraordinary regularisation scheme received 1,174,978 applications between mid‑April and 30 June, surpassing the original target of 500,000. More than 600,000 requests have already entered processing, and 159,097 applicants are now registered with Social Security, representing 13.6 % of all submissions.

Applicants are largely young (80 % under 45) and male (57 %). Sixty‑seven percent come from Latin America, led by Colombia (≈26 % of total), followed by Morocco, Venezuela and Peru. The hospitality sector accounts for about one‑quarter of the first hires, with commerce, construction and transport also prominent. Seventy‑seven percent of those hired hold indefinite contracts, and 34 % work in hospitality.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says immigration is essential for Spain’s economy, warning that without it the country could lose 19 % of GDP by 2050. Business groups have welcomed the plan, while right‑wing parties such as Vox have denounced it as an “invasion”. The government has confirmed that over half a million provisional work and residence permits have been granted as the measure moves toward final approval.