As part of its efforts to meet the needs of the labour market, Spain has announced that it will extend the validity of the job seeker visa next year.
Under the reformed Immigration Law, Spanish authorities said that the country will increase the the job seeker visa validity from the current three months to one year, Schengen.News reports.
While the authorities are yet to announce the exact date when the new rules will take effect, the new permitted period of stay within the Spanish territory under the job seeker visa will have a significant impact on both foreigners wanting to find a job in Spain as well as on the country itself.
The new one-year validity period will offer better opportunities for all foreigners who want to find a job in Spain and move to the country for good.
On a job seeker visa, foreign nationals are able to enter Spain to search for a job. Once they find a suitable job, they need to undergo the necessary procedures, and then they can stay in Spain legally.
Spain will also introduce several other changes related to foreign nationals in May 2025.
Spain to Regularise 300,000 Migrants Per Year Through 2027
Another measure that will come as part of the reform of the Immigration Law is that Spain will regularise a large number of undocumented migrants in the country.
As announced by the Spanish Minister of Migration, Elma Saiz, the country aims to regularise a total of 300,000 migrants per year until the end of 2027.
This means that in the next three years, around 900,000 irregular migrants will be granted the right to reside and work in the country.
By regularising migrants, Spain wants to tackle its labour shortages. Data show that about 250,000 workers are needed in order for Spain to be able to maintain its economy.
Thus, taking into account the large number of migrants that arrive in Spain each year, the Spanish government thinks that those who are already within its territory should be given a chance instead of outsourcing and bringing more foreign workers.
In line with the new rules set to become effective in May 2025, residence and work permits will be granted to migrants under a streamlined process.
Source: https://schengen.news/spain-to-extend-job-seeker-visa-validity-from-3-to-12-months/
