Spain's Sánchez government to legalize half a million migrants

MADRID - Some half a million undocumented migrants living in Spain are to be legalized through a royal decree, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing minority government announced following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo has criticized the measure as "scandalous," and the national conservative and populist Vox has announced a campaign of resistance.

The reform does not require a vote in parliament, as it concerns an amendment to existing law. It goes into effect following publication in the government gazette, which is expected shortly.

Speaking while on a visit to China, Sánchez defended the decision, saying it was not merely a question of "justice" towards people living in Spain, but also necessary to alleviate a labour shortage. The step has been welcomed by the Catholic Church and employers' associations.

The reform was "good for Spain, for the pensions of current pensioners and for all of you when you go on pension," he told Spanish journalists.

The Spanish economy is one of the fastest growing in the European Union, and the Sánchez government takes the view that migrants make a large contribution to this.

The decree will benefit asylum-seekers who made application before the end of last year, along with economic migrants in the country for at least five months before the end of last year.

Under its terms, residential and work permits will be issued for one year on condition of possession of a certificate of good conduct. The minor children of applicants can be legalized at the same time and will receive a five-year permit.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:39 AM.