The Spanish government approved a decree on Tuesday to allow the extraordinary regularization of approximately 500,000 migrants currently residing in the country, according to cnnchile.com.
The new regulation requires applicants to have no criminal record and to pose no threat to public order or security.
Elma Saiz, the government spokesperson and Minister of Inclusion, Security Social and Migration, described the measure as an "act of ethical coherence and social justice" during a press conference following the Council of Ministers.
Applicants can begin submitting requests online starting April 16. In-person appointments for formalizing requests will be available starting April 20, the outlet reported.
Political opposition mounts
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the decision as a way to recognize the reality of people already integrated into Spanish daily life. In a letter to citizens, Sánchez noted that these individuals care for the elderly, work in food production, and drive entrepreneurship.
Sánchez also highlighted the economic necessity of the move, stating that as Spain ages, the country requires new workers to sustain pensions, healthcare, and education. He noted that various groups, including the Catholic Church and social agents, had requested this regularization to address labor shortages.
However, the conservative People's Party (PP) has denounced the measure as a "nonsense" and a "barbarity." The opposition party announced it will use all available legal avenues to challenge the decree.
Vox, the far-right party, intends to appeal the measure before the Supreme Court. The group also launched a campaign on Tuesday to raise awareness regarding the consequences of "massive" immigration, according to the report.
