Spain Finalizes Amnesty Measure for up to Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants

Spain’s government on Tuesday finalized a migrant amnesty measure that it announced earlier this year, paving the way for hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working without authorization in the southern European nation to apply for legal status.

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An estimated half-million people living in Spain without authorization could be eligible to apply, the government said. Some analysts estimate up to 800,000 people live in the shadows of Spanish society.

Many immigrants from Latin America or African countries work in key sectors including agriculture, tourism and the service sector.

Those who meet certain conditions can now apply for a one-year residency and work permit, Migration Minister Elma Saiz said, adding that migrants could begin applying in person on April 20 and online on Thursday.

The amnesty measure was fast-tracked via a decree that amends immigration laws. By doing it that way, Sánchez’s government was able to bypass parliament, where a previous amnesty attempt stalled and where the government lacks a majority.

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