In a European context characterised by an increasingly restrictive approach to migration, Spain has taken a notable step. By approving the regularisation of 500 000 people in an irregular situation, the Spanish government is doing more than just taking an administrative decision. The country is also taking a clear political stance by recognising a social reality that has existed for years, rather than keeping it in the shadows.
The proposed measure applies to individuals who were resident in Spain prior to 31 December 2025. Rather than establishing a new migratory dynamic, it provides a legal framework for ongoing processes. These women and men live and work in Spain, raising their children and contributing to various sectors of the economy, despite lacking legal recognition.
They have become virtually indispensable in sectors such as agriculture, domestic help, cleaning and construction. However, their lack of administrative status leaves them vulnerable to long-term precariousness. Unstable wages, poor working conditions and limited access to social rights are part of their daily lives. By opting for regularisation, Spain acknowledges that economic and social integration are often prerequisites for institutional recognition.
This decision has been made at a time when Spain remains one of the main entry points for migrants into Europe. However, recent figures suggest that alarmist rhetoric should be tempered. The number of irregular entries decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year, reminding us that migration is driven by political decisions as well as economic factors, regional crises and job opportunities.
Ending irregularity to regain control
Regularisation is based on specific criteria. It is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate their previous presence in the country, an absence of criminal convictions, and social integration. The intention is not to abolish the rules, but to apply them differently. The Spanish state is not relinquishing control or the legal provisions. It is merely choosing to address an existing situation rather than ignore it.
This decision highlights an aspect of the situation that is often overlooked in the European debate. Keeping hundreds of thousands of people in an irregular situation neither prevents people from leaving nor stops migration networks. In fact, it fuels informal work, undermines social rights and creates environments that are conducive to exploitation. Regularisation is a way of reclaiming control in sectors where the informal economy has flourished.
Legally recognising these individuals also strengthens their protection. It secures employment, reduces abuse, and facilitates access to essential services. It acknowledges that migration is primarily a human reality comprising journeys, work and contributions, which are often invisible, rather than merely a matter of flows.
One key issue remains: implementation. Experience has shown that regularisation procedures can fail if they become overly complex or restrictive. This puts the most vulnerable people at risk of exclusion. Therefore, this measure’s success will depend on its ability to provide concrete daily-life benefits to its target group.
Spain does not claim to offer a definitive solution to the European migration issue. However, in the current context, it provides a valuable opportunity for reflection. By opting for regularisation, the country is posing a fundamental question: Is recognising the reality of migration an act of political responsibility rather than an admission of weakness?
