Spain’s government is set to legalize the status of around 500,000 undocumented migrants currently working in the country. The left-wing administration, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to provide these workers with formal protections and integrate them into the social security system. This move comes as many countries on both sides of the Atlantic increase efforts to deport undocumented migrants.
The amnesty is also seen as a response to Spain’s aging population, which is putting pressure on the country’s social welfare programs. By bringing informal workers into the formal economy, the government hopes to increase social security contributions and support the sustainability of public services.
**Why this matters**
Granting legal status to undocumented migrants could improve labor conditions and reduce exploitation. It may also strengthen Spain’s social security system by expanding the contributor base, helping to address challenges linked to demographic changes. This policy contrasts with stricter immigration enforcement trends elsewhere, highlighting different approaches to managing migration and labor markets.
Source: NewsData