Spain to legalise 15,000 BD expats
The Spanish government has approved a sweeping regularisation programme for undocumented migrants residing in the country, potentially granting legal status to nearly 500,000 people.
Among them are an estimated 15,000 Bangladeshis, who have welcomed the move as a long-awaited opportunity for security and recognition.
The initiative, sanctioned by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s administration on Tuesday, comes amid growing anti-immigration sentiment across Spain and other parts of Europe. It marks a rare step in contrast to the continent-wide trend of tightening immigration policies.
Under the new scheme, migrants who meet specific criteria will be eligible to apply for a one-year residence and work permit.
The process begins online on Thursday, 16 April, and in-person applications will be accepted from 20 April until 30 June, according to Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Migration.
Applicants must have entered Spain before 1 January 2026 and provide evidence of at least five months’ residence in the country. A clean criminal record is also required. Those granted temporary legal status will be eligible to apply for permanent residence and full work authorisation after the initial year.
“The new programme is a fair and necessary measure,” said Prime Minister Sanchez. “We need to integrate migrants into our workforce, particularly to address labour shortages and the challenges posed by an ageing population. Their contribution is vital to sustaining Spain’s economic growth and welfare systems.”
Spain has previously implemented similar regularisation initiatives, known as “general amnesties,” six times between 1986 and 2005, even under conservative administrations.
However, this latest measure was enacted through a decree amending immigration law, bypassing the parliament, where Sanchez’s left-leaning government does not hold a majority. Earlier efforts to pass a legislative bill for general regularisation had failed.
Despite its humanitarian and economic rationale, the programme has provoked opposition. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP), described the decision as “inhumane, unjust, unsafe, and unsustainable.”
Vox, Spain’s far-right nationalist party, has also pledged resistance, warning that the move could encourage further illegal migration.
Government officials acknowledge the logistical challenge of processing a large volume of applications within a limited timeframe.
Migration unions have expressed concerns that the administration is underprepared to handle the surge, noting the pressure on public offices.
Applicants will be able to submit documents at 60 social security offices, 371 post offices, and five immigration offices across Spain.
Bangladeshi residents in Spain have reacted with enthusiasm to the announcement. A video clip published by Al Jazeera on Tuesday shows Bangladeshis in Barcelona celebrating the news and expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Sanchez.
Murul Waheed, a Bangladeshi migrant, told the network, “There is no work, no proper housing. Life here has been very hard. Now, hearing about this process, everyone is very happy.”
The Bangladeshi embassy in Madrid has also offered support to potential applicants. Ambassador Masudur Rahman advised Bangladeshis to ensure that their documentation is complete and accurate, noting that some documents, including police clearance certificates from Bangladesh, will be necessary for the application process.
Spain is home to approximately 75,000 Bangladeshis, of whom around 15,000 are undocumented.
The government highlights that migrants already play a significant role in Spain’s economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and services.
The legalisation programme is expected to alleviate labour shortages and support the country’s rapidly ageing population.
While the scheme grants only temporary permits initially, the government emphasises that successful applicants could eventually obtain permanent residency. Minor children of undocumented migrants will also be granted legal status under the programme, with a five-year residence permit.
Prime Minister Sanchez has defended the move during a recent visit to China, framing it as a matter of fairness and practical necessity.
“This is not only about justice for people living in Spain, but also about ensuring that our economy continues to thrive,” he said, highlighting the role of migrant labour in sustaining the nation’s growth.
The government believes that granting legal status to nearly half a million undocumented migrants will provide immediate social and economic benefits, while also setting a precedent for humane and pragmatic immigration policy in Europe.
