More than 1.2 million people have applied for legal residency under a new immigration regularisation scheme in Spain, highlighting the high demand among undocumented migrants seeking to formalise their status.
The programme allows eligible migrants who meet specific residency and legal requirements to apply for legal status, enabling them to live and work in Spain legally while gaining access to public services and employment protections.
Spanish officials said the initiative is intended to reduce irregular migration, address labour shortages in key sectors, and improve the integration of migrants into society. Authorities added that each application will be reviewed individually to ensure applicants meet the required conditions.
Supporters of the scheme say it will benefit both migrants and the Spanish economy by bringing more workers into the formal labour market and reducing exploitation. However, critics argue that the programme could encourage further irregular migration if similar measures are introduced in the future.
The large number of applications reflects the scale of Spain's undocumented migrant population and underscores the country's continuing efforts to reform its immigration system while balancing humanitarian concerns with border management and labour market needs.