Spain has recently approved a comprehensive reform of its immigration policies, set to take effect in May 2025. This significant overhaul aims to enhance migrant integration in work, education, and family life while addressing Spain's aging workforce and economic needs. Here are the key changes:
Residency and Work Permits
Spain plans to grant residency and work permits to approximately 300,000 undocumented migrants annually for three years, from 2025 to 2027[1]. This initiative is part of the new "arraigo" system, which offers five pathways to residency:
1. Social arraigo
2. Socio-labor arraigo
3. Family arraigo
4. Socio-educational arraigo
5. "Second chance" arraigo (for those who had a residence permit in the last two years but didn't renew it)
The required residency period for regularization has been reduced from 3 to 2 years, and the process has been made more flexible[2].
Visa Changes
- All initial visa authorizations will now be valid for one year, with renewals lasting four years[2].
- The "job seeking" visa validity has been extended from 3 months to one year, allowing more time for migrants to find employment[2].
Work Regulations
- Most new permits will allow immediate work authorization without requiring a separate initial work permit[2].
- Students with migration status can now work up to 30 hours per week[2].
- A specific residence and work permit has been created for seasonal activities, improving protection of workers' rights and living conditions[2].
Family Reunification
- The age limit for children in family reunification cases involving Spanish citizens has been raised from 21 to 26 years[2].
- The concept of reunited family members now includes children and parents of victims of trafficking, sexual violence, and gender-based violence[2].
Administrative Procedures
- Legal and administrative procedures for work and residence permits have been simplified and shortened[1].
- Migrants can now register as either self-employed or salaried workers[1].
These reforms aim to combat labor exploitation, address Spain's aging population concerns, and promote better integration of migrants into Spanish society. Minister Saiz emphasized that this policy is not only about cultural enrichment and human rights but also about ensuring Spain's prosperity[1][2].
Citations:
[1] Spain to legalise around 300000 undocumented migrants per year https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/11/21/spain-to-grant-residency-and-work-permits-to-around-300000-undocumented-migrants-per-year
[2] Spain: New immigration reform to enhance migrant integration https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/spain-new-immigration-reform-enhance-migrant-integration_en
No comments:
Post a Comment