MADRID — January 29, 2026 — Spain is preparing to regularize the status of around 500,000 undocumented migrants, according to government officials, in what is being described as one of the largest legalization efforts in recent European history.

The move comes amid growing calls from civil society groups, unions, and migrant organizations to provide legal protections for those who have long lived and worked in the country without proper documentation.

The Spanish government confirmed that it is drafting a plan that would allow undocumented migrants to apply for residency permits, granting them access to healthcare, education, and formal employment. Officials said the measure is aimed at addressing labor shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work, while also ensuring that migrants are not exploited under informal arrangements.

According to reports from Spanish media, the initiative has been backed by a coalition of more than 600 organizations under the campaign “Regularización Ya,” which has been lobbying for years to secure legal status for undocumented workers. The government estimates that approximately half a million people could benefit from the program, many of whom have been living in Spain for more than two years.

Interior Ministry representatives emphasized that the legalization process will include background checks and requirements to prove residence in Spain. “This is not an amnesty without conditions. It is a structured process to integrate migrants who are already contributing to Spanish society,” one official was quoted as saying.

The announcement has sparked debate across the political spectrum. Supporters argue that the measure will strengthen Spain’s economy, improve tax revenues, and uphold human rights. Critics, however, warn that it could encourage more irregular migration and strain public services.

Spain has a history of migrant regularization programs, with similar initiatives carried out in 1986, 1991, 2000, and 2005. The 2005 program under Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero legalized nearly 600,000 migrants, setting a precedent for large-scale integration.

As the government finalizes the details, migrant communities and advocacy groups have welcomed the development, calling it a long-overdue recognition of their role in Spanish society. The measure is expected to be debated in parliament in the coming weeks, with implementation projected later this year.

This latest move underscores Spain’s position as one of Europe’s key destinations for migrants and reflects the broader challenges facing the European Union in balancing border control with humanitarian obligations.