US EditionSpain's looming migrant amnesty strains services, sends applicants scrambling
The drive aims to legalize 500,000 undocumented migrants amid office overload and no extra budget, with migrants facing long waits and unclear documentation requirements.
- On Feb 26, Spain launched a drive to fast‑track legal status for over 500,000 undocumented migrants, overwhelmed immigration offices and causing applicant anxiety.
- Officials cite long‑term demographic shortfalls as Spain's Socialist government and economists credit migration for recent economic growth and say 2.4 million more social security contributors are needed.
- The migration ministry said the final decree is still being developed and no extra budget or staffing had been earmarked, while César Pérez warned the effort is impossible without more staff.
- Migrants have been left scrambling for paperwork and information at local offices, while Spain's immigration minister Elma Saiz said prospective applicants could work once notified within 15 days.
- Political deadlock has constrained resources since 2023, so the government considers non‑governmental organisations and trade unions to assist this year, while 2005 regularization required 1,700 employees and 742 information points.
5 Articles
5 Articles
Spain's looming migrant amnesty strains services, sends applicants scrambling
Spain's newest drive to fast-track legal status for at least half a million undocumented migrants has already burdened immigration offices and sparked anxiety among prospective applicants weeks before the process even begins, a dozen union officials, lawyers, and migrants said.
Lack of information and state funding for the process could derail the massive amnesty announced by the Government
MADRID.— Spain's new plan to accelerate the regularization of at least half a million undocumented migrants is already overloading the offices of foreigners and generating anxiety among potential applicants, even weeks before the process begins, according to a dozen union representatives, lawyers and migrants. The lack of information and state funding could derail the massive amnesty announced last month by the Spanish government, two people inv…
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