Spain’s government-announced mass legalisation of migrants could affect around 1.25 million foreign nationals, rather than the 500,000 previously stated by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. These figures come from an internal report by the National Police’s General Commissariat for Immigration and Borders, cited by El Español.
The document, dated 2 February and signed by Alfredo García Miravete, head of the Central Directorate for Immigration Operations, warns that the regularisation process in its first six months “could lead to significant negative consequences.”
According to the police assessment, the number of direct beneficiaries could reach about 1.25 million people — 250% more than the figure cited in official ministry documents. The total could rise further due to indirect beneficiaries, including migrants’ family members and applicants for international protection who might withdraw their asylum claims to take part in the mass legalisation.
The report identifies four main risks:
- “Pull effect” — police believe the announcement could encourage undocumented migrants living in other EU countries to move to Spain. The report also points to the activity of human-trafficking networks using social media advertising in third countries to lure people to Spain, while criminal groups create a black market for forged documents.
- Overloading of public services — mass regularisation could increase pressure on healthcare, education and social services.
- Security and public order risks — among potential residence permit recipients, there could be individuals linked to criminal organisations or posing a threat to national security.
- Pressure on the labour market — a surge in low-skilled labour supply could intensify competition and put downward pressure on wages.
Police also states that the wording of one of the key eligibility requirements — proof of presence in Spain — is too vague and creates a risk of abuse. The report criticises the lack of a clearly defined list of acceptable documents.
The procedure for checking criminal records also comes under fire. According to the police, five months is insufficient to verify criminal backgrounds for all applicants. They also object to the possibility of replacing official criminal-record certificates with self-declarations, which they consider unacceptable.
Earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who backed the move, published an op-ed in The New York Times explaining why Spain needs migrants.
