In a landmark move, Spain’s government has announced plans to legalize the status of around 300,000 undocumented immigrants annually for the next three years. The initiative, unveiled by Migration Minister Elma Saiz, is part of the government’s strategy to expand its labor force and support its welfare system in the face of an aging native population.
“Spain has to opt between being an open, prosperous country or being a closed and poor one, and we have chosen the former,” Saiz told reporters in Madrid. She emphasized that the nation requires between 250,000 and 300,000 additional tax-paying foreign workers each year to maintain economic growth and sustain social services.
The reform simplifies the process of obtaining work and residence permits, allowing migrants to register as either self-employed or salaried workers. It also grants additional labor protections and extends visa durations, including job-seeker visas from three months to 12 months and expanded work allowances for students.
Spain has adopted a more welcoming stance on immigration compared to other European nations like Italy and Germany, which have tightened border controls. The Spanish economy, the fastest-growing in the EU, has benefited significantly from skilled immigration, particularly from Latin America, filling gaps in key sectors like technology and hospitality. In the third quarter of 2024, Spain’s gross domestic product grew by 3.4% compared to the previous year.
Net migration to Spain in 2022 surpassed levels seen in the entire previous decade, according to Fitch Ratings, which noted that the rise in the working-age population has helped counterbalance the effects of aging demographics. While the pace of net migration is expected to moderate between 2024 and 2028, it will continue to outpace that of peer countries, supporting long-term economic growth.
The reform reflects the government’s recognition of immigration as a solution to labor shortages and demographic challenges. However, public sentiment on the issue remains divided. A recent survey by 40dB for El País and Cadena Ser found that 57% of Spaniards believe there is “too much” immigration, while 54% overestimate the proportion of migrants in the country. Official figures place foreign-born residents at 18.5% of Spain’s population.
By offering a pathway to legal employment and strengthening migrant rights, the government aims to address economic needs while fostering integration and stability. This policy could serve as a model for balancing immigration and economic growth in Europe.
