Spain has decided to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, marking a major shift in its immigration policy.
According to international news agencies, Spain’s Minister for Migration announced that the application process will begin in April. Migrants who receive legal status will be allowed to work in any part of Spain.
The policy will apply to individuals who have been living in Spain for at least five months. Authorities said the move aims to regularize the workforce and address labour shortages in key sectors.
The migration minister added that applicants must have a clean criminal record to qualify. The decision will also apply to migrants’ children who are already residing in Spain.
Officials believe the measure will help improve social integration and strengthen the country’s economy while ensuring better protection for migrant families.