Society & Politics

How do you feel about Spain liberalising immigration law?

Spain permits for family reunification increased by 650% in 5 years. The growth is stable:
March 2020 - 43 848 work permits
December 2021 - 73 000 permits
December 2022 - 149 000 permits
December 2023 - 239 000 permits
December 2024 - 312 000 permits.
March 2025 - 328 841 permits

It's worth mention, that these aren't applications nor refusals—these are real permits that allow for temporary stay. These permits of course can be renewed and each permit mean not one more immigrant, but one more immigrant family. But it doesn't end here

In November 2024, Pedro Sánchez's left-wing government pushed through the largest liberalization of immigration law since 2011. This went into effect in May 2025. In short: legalization of 900,000 illegal immigrants over three years, or 300,000 regularizations per year. The reform is said to simplify procedures and promote integration.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz Delgado calls this the "most comprehensive revision" of Spanish migration law.

It's worth noting, that Spain's society is not as supporting of open door policy as the government is. A 40dB Institute poll for El País and Cadena SER shows that:

- 57% of Spaniards believe there are too many immigrants.
- 75% associate immigration with negative phenomena: crime, insecurity and pressure on public services.
- Over the past year and a half, public concern has increased by as much as 16 percentage points.

Government focuses on liberalisation of immigration, while the society expects control and safety.

Source: https://www.fragomen.com/insights/spain-upcoming-regulations-will-relax-family-and-residency-pathways.html

How do you feel about Spain liberalising immigration law?
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