Spain Announces Regularization for 300,000 Migrants

Spain's left-wing government has announced a reform to regularize approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually over the next three years, aiming to expand its labor force amidst an aging population. Migration Minister Elma Saiz emphasized the need for 250,000 to 300,000 foreign workers each year to sustain the welfare state, contrasting Spain's welcoming policies with the stricter approaches of other European nations like Italy and Germany. The reform simplifies legal processes for obtaining work and residence permits, allowing migrants to register as both self-employed and salaried workers, while also enhancing their labor rights. Spain's economy is currently the fastest-growing in the EU, bolstered by skilled immigrants from Latin America addressing labor shortages in various sectors. Despite the government's stance, a recent survey revealed that over half of Spaniards feel there is excessive immigration, reflecting a growing tension surrounding the issue. The changes are part of a broader strategy to maintain economic growth and mitigate the effects of an aging native-born population.