Spain has triggered one of Europe’s fiercest migration battles after launching the biggest amnesty for undocumented migrants in the continent’s history — a move that has sent shockwaves through the European Union.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s controversial decision has opened the door to a potential 1.3 million applications, far exceeding early expectations of around 500,000.
The sweeping move has ignited a furious political row, with critics warning it could put fresh pressure on Europe’s already fragile migration system and fuel tensions over the future of the passport-free Schengen zone.
Mr Sánchez has defended the policy as a necessary act of “justice” and a boost for Spain’s economy, arguing that bringing undocumented workers into the legal system will strengthen growth, increase tax revenues and help protect public pensions.
But opponents say the move sends the wrong message at a time when governments across Europe are struggling to control illegal migration.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is among those raising concerns, reportedly warning that the decision could have wider consequences for the EU’s internal borders.
The Spanish leader’s move has also triggered anger from opposition parties at home, with the right-wing Partido Popular and Vox condemning the amnesty and accusing the government of rewarding people who entered the country illegally.
The scale of the scheme has already stunned observers.
More than 900,000 people had reportedly begun the process by mid-June, with hundreds of thousands already receiving provisional residency permits.
Successful applicants must prove they have lived in Spain continuously for five months and have no criminal record before receiving a one-year residence and work permit.
The scenes outside application centres have highlighted the huge demand, with long queues forming as migrants rushed to secure legal status.
Supporters argue the policy reflects economic reality. Spain’s rapid growth in recent years has been partly supported by migrant labour filling jobs in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and elderly care.
The government insists the move will help bring workers into the formal economy rather than leave them vulnerable in the shadows.
But critics warn the decision risks creating a new pull factor for migration and could deepen divisions across Europe.
The backlash comes as Brussels attempts to tighten migration rules and accelerate the removal of people whose asylum claims have been rejected.
Spain’s amnesty dwarfs previous European regularisation schemes, including Italy’s 2002 programme which granted legal status to more than 600,000 undocumented migrants.
The political consequences could be significant.
Opinion polls suggest Mr Sánchez’s Socialist Party is trailing the opposition Partido Popular, with migration becoming one of the defining issues ahead of Spain’s next election.
The Prime Minister insists the policy will strengthen the country.
His opponents argue it represents a dangerous gamble.
As Europe continues to wrestle with migration pressures, Spain’s historic decision has opened a fresh battle over borders, identity and the future direction of the EU.
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