Spain plans to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move drawing attention from countries including Bangladesh as it contrasts sharply with tougher immigration policies in parts of Europe and the United States.
Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz said beneficiaries will be able to work in any sector across the country and emphasized the “positive impact” of migration.
“We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people,” she added, saying the government was “recognising” and giving dignity to people already in Spain.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cited the country’s need for migration to fill workforce gaps and support an ageing population, which places pressure on pensions and social welfare.
Laetitia Van der Vennet, of the Platform for Undocumented Immigrants NGO, praised Spain’s approach as a humane alternative amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in Europe and the US, reports Al Jazeera .
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Ousman Umar, a Ghanaian migrant who overcame perilous journeys to Spain and now runs an NGO for children in Ghana, said the policy will benefit both migrants and Spanish society.
“It will allow people to work legally, pay taxes, and contribute to the pension system in a country with a low birthrate and a growing elderly population,” he said.