Spain has approved a surprise decree allowing undocumented migrants already in the country to apply for temporary residency, citing economic and social benefits.
Spain’s government has unexpectedly approved a decree offering hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants a legal pathway to remain in the country, diverging from a global trend toward tougher immigration policies. The measure allows undocumented people already living in Spain to apply for temporary residency permits, easing long-standing legal uncertainty.
The Socialist-led government said the policy is vital for Spain’s economy, where migrant labor supports sectors such as agriculture and tourism. Migration Minister Elma Saiz Delgado said the move would affect “our social cohesion, well-being, and also on the economy.”