Spain is contemplating offering residency rights to undocumented migrants.

Here are the main points:

• Spain's Parliament is reviewing a proposed law that could positively impact numerous undocumented immigrants residing in the nation.
• If approved, the law would provide them with residency and work permits, enabling them to contribute taxes and avail themselves of healthcare, education, and various public services.
• This proposal, which garnered over 700,000 signatures and backing from close to 900 organizations, received a favorable vote of 310 to 33 in Congress.

The Spanish Parliament has agreed to review legislation that could extend benefits to thousands of undocumented immigrants in the country by granting them residency and work permits. This proposed law would also enable them to pay taxes, contribute to Social Security, and access healthcare, education, and other public services.

This legislative proposal, which entered the Congress of Deputies in Madrid through a citizen initiative supported by over 700,000 signatures and nearly 900 organizations, was approved by lawmakers with a vote of 310 to 33. It will now proceed through the lower house for further debate and potential amendments.

The initiative aims to support between 390,000 and 470,000 foreigners living regularly in Spain, many of whom work in informal sectors like agriculture, caregiving, and delivery services, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation due to their lack of legal protection. Additionally, approximately 50,000 irregular migrants in Valencia could benefit from the proposed law if it is enacted.

According to Silvana Cabrera, one of the advocates of the RegularizacionYA movement, current immigration policies often force migrants into the underground economy and deny them basic rights, such as access to healthcare and legal recourse against exploitation. She criticizes the bureaucratic hurdles that prevent migrants from obtaining work permits and argues for a more humane and inclusive approach to immigration.

Recent data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE) indicates that as of January 2024, approximately 8.8 million foreigners reside in Spain, making it one of the top ten European countries in terms of foreign population, according to Eurostat.