Summary
Last month, the Spanish cabinet approved a decree granting legal residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants in Spain. This regularisation aims to provide recognition of their civil existence and legal security, addressing those living under constant risk without access to formal job contracts or safety nets. The decree, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was made public amidst discussions often centered on economic arguments for migration. Instead, it was highlighted as a moral decision based on the recognition that irregular migrants are an integral part of Spanish society and should be treated equally. Key figures behind this move include Amaya Valcárcel, International Advocacy Advisor at Jesuit Refugee Service, who emphasizes the indispensable work done by these individuals in various sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and domestic labor. The decree, initially set to last for one year, aims to address immediate uncertainties while also calling for deeper structural reforms. These include long-term integration policies, robust labour protections, and clear pathways for legal migration. A significant factor behind the decision was a petition with more than 700,000 signatures and support from over 900 civil society organizations, including the Catholic Church, which played an unprecedented role in mobilizing volunteers to gather necessary signatures for parliamentary discussion.
Key Topics
Spain, Migrants, Catholic Social Teaching
