More than one million undocumented migrants have applied for legal status under Spain's new regularisation programme, nearly double the government's initial estimate of 500,000 applicants.
The scheme, which opened in April and closed on June 30, is Spain's first large-scale migrant regularisation initiative since 2005. It aims to provide undocumented migrants who have been living and working in the country with a legal pathway to residency and employment.
According to Spain's Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, a total of 1,174,978 applications were received. So far, about 608,000 applications have been accepted for processing, granting temporary residency and work permits, while 11,000 applicants have already received final approval.
Many applicants say legal status would allow them to work without fear of exploitation, access healthcare and employment benefits, and reunite with family members.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended the programme, arguing that migrants are essential to the country's long-term economic growth. He warned that without migration, Spain could face labour shortages, declining agricultural production, business closures and slower economic growth by 2050.
Experts say migrants are playing a critical role in sectors facing severe worker shortages, particularly healthcare, elderly care and domestic services. More than 159,000 people have already joined Spain's Social Security system through the regularisation process.
While the programme has drawn criticism from opponents of immigration, migrant rights organisations have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward protecting vulnerable workers and integrating them into Spanish society.
The Spanish government is expected to process the majority of the applications within the next three months.
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