The Spanish government has announced a groundbreaking migration reform that will legalize approximately 300,000 migrants each year for the next three years, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration Elma Saiz revealed on Tuesday.

This landmark initiative builds on growing momentum in Spain for more inclusive migration policies, following earlier legislative discussions driven by civil society campaigns.

Described as the most ambitious since the migration law came into force in 2011, the initiative aims to improve integration, address labor shortages, and combat demographic challenges.

"This is the most comprehensive and ambitious reform carried out in 13 years," Saiz said during a press conference. "We assume that over the next three years, about 300,000 people will be able to obtain legalization every year. This formula is fully in line with the European pact on migration."

🔴 Aprobamos en Consejo de Ministros la reforma del Reglamento de Extranjería con el objetivo de:

👉Reducir trámites
👉Dar mayor seguridad jurídica
👉Aumentar la protección de trabajadores y empleadores
👉Incrementar las vías regulares de migración
👉Alinearse con la UE

➕ℹ️🧵 pic.twitter.com/hhY8xjyrX2

— Elma Saiz (@SaizElma) November 19, 2024

The reform seeks to provide migrants with a clearer path to legalization, enabling better integration into Spanish society. It includes measures to help migrants access the labor market, confirm qualifications acquired abroad, and participate in professional training programs. The initiative also focuses on strengthening family ties to aid in social stability.

Tackling Labor and Demographic Challenges

Spain's reform addresses urgent labor market needs by opening pathways for migrants to fill job shortages in critical sectors. It also responds to the country's aging population by introducing measures designed to mitigate demographic challenges.

"The regulation is designed to meet labor market demands while offering migrants the opportunity for professional growth and societal inclusion," Saiz noted.

In addition to fostering integration, the regulation aims to fight organized crime and fraud associated with illegal migration. By providing legal avenues for migrants, the Spanish government hopes to undermine criminal networks and enhance respect for human rights.

Read more: Hundreds of migrants feared missing near Spain's Canary Islands

An Evolving Narrative

Spain’s approach has faced criticism and challenges in the past, including allegations of maltreatment of minor asylum seekers. Earlier this year, courts reprimanded Spain for mass deportations of unaccompanied minors without proper consideration of their circumstances, sparking debates over the country’s migration practices.

In April, Spain's lower house of parliament began work on a bill proposed by civil society groups, including the #RegularizacionYa platform, which garnered over 600,000 signatures. The bill sought to legalize hundreds of thousands of migrants, particularly those who arrived in Spain before November 2021.

The proposal brought by around 900 civil society groups was approved by 310 out of 343 votes with the far-right Vox party standing solely against it.