Spain's Sanchez govt to legalise half a million migrants through royal decree
Apr 15, 2026
Madrid [Spain], April 15: Some half a million undocumented migrants living in Spain are to be legalized through a royal decree, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's left-wing minority government announced following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) led by Alberto Núñez Feijoo has criticized the measure as "scandalous," and the national conservative and populist Vox has announced a campaign of resistance.
The reform does not require a vote in parliament, as it concerns an amendment to existing law. It goes into effect following publication in the government gazette, which is expected shortly.
Speaking while on a visit to China, Sanchez defended the decision, saying it was not merely a question of "justice" towards people living in Spain, but also necessary to alleviate a labour shortage.
The reform was "good for Spain, for the pensions of current pensioners and for all of you when you go on pension," he told Spanish journalists.
Source: Qatar Tribune
