Over 300,000 unauthorised migrants in Spain could obtain residence or work permits every year through 2027. This policy will become effective as of May 2025 and is expected to address the labour market shortages amid ageing population concerns that occupy the country.
The authorities say that the new measures will address labour shortages while also offering opportunities for those who remain in the country without the needed documentation. Every year, it is estimated that Spain receives thousands of irregular migrants, Schengen.News reports.
On top of offering residence and work permits to this category, the Spanish government will also improve the application process for obtaining such documents.
Spain Aims to Tackle Labour Shortages by Regularising Migrants Instead of Outsourcing Other Foreign Workers
Around 250,000 workers are needed for Spain to maintain its economy. On the other hand, thousands of migrants arrive in the country every year, with 54,000 entering Spain irregularly between January and November 2024. Compared to 2023, that number is up by 15.8 per cent, as the Spanish Interior Ministry data reveals.
Thus, the Spanish government decided to give those already in the country a chance instead of outsourcing and bringing more foreign workers into its territory.
The new measures streamline the new procedures for work and residence permits, allowing migrants to become self-employed or workers with a salary. In addition, they are promised labour rights. The reform will also extend a visa previously offered to job-seekers from three months to one year.
These Nationalities Are the Most Common Among Undocumented Migrants in Spain
According to data by Frontex, the western Mediterranean route, which includes Gibraltar and Spain, has witnessed 9,564 irregular border crossings between January and August. Spain’s Canary Islands are the most attacked by these irregular border crossings, with thousands of migrants crossing the border to the EU.
The most common nationalities that entered the EU through this route are Algerians, Moroccans and Malians. The EU as a whole received the most migrants from three nationalities: Syrians, Malians, and Afghanis.
In general, during this period, 139,847 irregular border crossings were recorded and the Central Mediterranean route, which, in addition to Italy, also includes Spain, has received the most irregular migrants.
Source: https://schengen.news/spain-to-grant-residency-work-permits-to-900000-undocumented-migrants-in-the-next-3-years/
