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Spanish Parliament approves citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule
The Spanish Congress has approved a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara during the period of Spanish colonial administration, specifically those born before September 29, 1977. The legislation, which was passed with 168 votes in favor, 31 against, and 145 abstentions, now moves to the Senate for further processing.
Estimates suggest that between 80,000 and 120,000 individuals may be directly eligible, though the number could reach nearly 200,000 when including descendants. The law allows for citizenship via the extraordinary route of 'carta de naturaleza' and applies even to those who do not legally reside in Spain. To prove their status, applicants may use various documents, including expired Spanish ID cards or UN-authenticated census records.
Proponents, including the Sumar party and deputy Tesh Sidi, described the move as a 'historical reparation' for an injustice. However, the decision has heightened diplomatic tensions with Morocco, which maintains control over much of the territory. The political debate also saw opposition from the Vox party and abstentions from the People's Party (PP) and Junts.
Entities
Morocco · Spanish Congress · Spanish Congress of Deputies · Spanish Parliament · Sumar · Tesh Sidi · Western Sahara
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 23 SOURCES] The vote resulted in 168 in favor, 31 against (Vox), and 145 abstentions (PP and Junts). www.h50.es · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.granadahoy.com · www.malagahoy.es · www.turkgun.com · +17 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The number of beneficiaries could reach nearly 200,000 when including descendants. stirileprotv.ro · www.3cat.cat · wtxnews.com · www.guvengazetesi.com.tr
- [● 26 SOURCES] The Spanish Congress approved a law to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration. www.noticiasdenavarra.com · cronicaeconomica.com · www.h50.es · www.elperiodico.digital · www.informacion.es · +20 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] First-degree descendants of those granted citizenship can acquire it within five years. www.noticiasdenavarra.com · cronicaeconomica.com · aqlame.com · stirileprotv.ro · elburgado.com · +14 more
- [● 23 SOURCES] The law applies to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before September 29, 1977. cronicaeconomica.com · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es · ca.news.yahoo.com · +17 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Applications for citizenship by naturalization will be free of charge for a period of three years. cronicaeconomica.com · aqlame.com · www.nadorcity.com · wtxnews.com
- [● 19 SOURCES] The law reduces the residency requirement for Sahrawis to two years. cronicaeconomica.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com · www.achkayen.com · elburgado.com · www.turkgun.com · +13 more
- [DISPUTED] Between 80,000 and 120,000 Sahrawis could potentially benefit from the law. www.h50.es · www.granadahoy.com · www.malagahoy.es · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.turkgun.com · +4 more