Spain’s Migrant Regularization Hits Record 1.17 Million Applications

Spain’s extraordinary migrant regularization process has closed with more than 1.17 million applications, far exceeding the government’s initial estimates and setting a historic record. The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration confirmed the final count. Of the total, 609,737 applications have been accepted for processing. This gives those applicants a provisional residence permit until a final decision is made. So far, 11,000 people have received a definitive positive response. Most applicants, 67%, are from Latin America. Colombians make up the largest group at 27%, followed by Moroccans (13.4%), Venezuelans (11.7%), and Peruvians (8.8%). Many entered Spain legally by plane, not by crossing a border irregularly. The process aims to legalize hundreds of thousands of people already living and working in Spain without documents. “This is a milestone for our migration policy,” said Minister Elma Saiz. “It will allow people to face the future with hope.” Children and young people are a major focus. Applications for those aged 0 to 15 account for 11% of the total. Men submitted 57% of applications, women 43%. Most applicants (81%) are under 45, and 60% are under 34. The regularization is already boosting Social Security registrations. Of the 608,000 accepted applicants, 159,097 are now registered. Most work in hospitality (38,776), commerce (20,195), administrative services (19,327), and construction (18,310). The government expects a positive impact on the labor market. “The growth of foreign worker registrations has accelerated since April,” said Secretary of State Borja Álvarez. Applications were highest in Catalonia (over 257,000), Madrid (202,000), Valencia, and Andalusia. Lawyers filed 58% of online applications, followed by authorized officials and the applicants themselves. The government warns that not all applicants will be approved. Initial projections expected 750,000 applications and 500,000 approvals. Officials say every applicant will receive an answer, positive or negative, and that administrative silence will not count as a denial. The process remains under legal challenge from the PP and Vox parties in the Supreme Court. The government is working to speed up decisions to increase legal security for applicants.