Spain’s parliament is considering a legislation that could provide residency and work permits to hundreds of thousands of immigrants living in the country without proper documentation. The proposal, brought to the Congress of Deputies in Madrid by citizen initiative with the backing of over 700,000 signatures and 900 organizations, was voted in favor by lawmakers with only the far-right VOX party opposing it. The bill would grant legal status to immigrants who arrived in Spain before November 1, 2021, from Latin America and Africa, allowing them to work legally, pay taxes, access healthcare, education, and other public services. Authors of the initiative estimate that between 390,000 to 470,000 foreigners live irregularly in Spain, often holding essential but low-paid jobs in the underground economy.
Many of these migrants work as fruit pickers, caretakers, delivery drivers, or other essential yet low-paid jobs that Spaniards often shun, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse without legal protections. The proposed legislation aims to provide visibility and equal rights to these migrants, helping to improve their living and working conditions in Spain. Additionally, the Spanish government announced plans to eliminate “golden visas” that allowed wealthy individuals from outside the EU to obtain residency permits by investing over half a million euros in real estate, signaling a shift towards addressing the needs of vulnerable migrant populations.
The bill will now make its way through the lower house of parliament for further debate and likely amendments before reaching its final version. If passed, the legislation could significantly impact the lives of the thousands of undocumented immigrants in Spain, enabling them to live and work legally while contributing to the country’s economy through taxes and social security payments. The move reflects a growing acknowledgment of the contributions made by migrants to the Spanish society and a step towards providing them with the rights and protections they deserve as members of the community.
The proposal has garnered support from various groups, ranging from migrant rights organizations to Catholic associations, highlighting the broad spectrum of backing behind the initiative. By addressing the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and seeking to integrate them into Spanish society, the legislation represents a step towards social inclusion and equality. It also aligns with calls for more humane and compassionate immigration policies in the face of humanitarian crises and the global movement of people seeking better opportunities and safety.
Overall, the consideration of legislation granting residency and work permits to undocumented immigrants in Spain signals a shift towards more inclusive and rights-based approaches to migration policy. By recognizing the contributions and vulnerabilities of migrants in the country, the proposed bill reflects a growing awareness of the need to uphold human dignity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. If passed, the legislation could have significant implications for the lives and well-being of thousands of undocumented migrants in Spain, contributing to their social integration and improving their access to essential services and protections.
