On Tuesday, April 14, the government of Spain finalised a sweeping migrant amnesty measure.
This move will lead to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants getting legal status. They will now be able to get a working permit and can live legally in Spain.
Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister confirmed the decision and hailed the decision as a necessary decision and an act of justice.
Read more: Pakistanis can now study in Spain for free and get paid
He made the argument for support of this decision by saying that people who are contributing to the Spanish society should enjoy equal living facilities and pay taxes.
This move is in complete opposition to the tightening and escalating immigration policies across Europe and Trump’s administration’s hardline approach in the United States.
Eligible Migrants as per the mass amnesty can apply for a one-year renewable residency and work permit.
The eligibility criteria for this amnesty are set as arrival in Spain before January. The migrants also need to give proof of living in the country for at least five months, without a criminal record.
The estimated number of undocumented migrants by the government is 500,000. The majority of the immigrants are from Venezuela, Colombia and Morocco who were able to escape from poor conditions, political instability and violence.
Applicants will be able to apply online from Thursday, April 16 and in person from Monday, April 20 with a June 30 deadline.
Also read: Govt takes major step to legalise undocumented migrants in Spain
