In a significant legislative move, the Spanish parliament has initiated proceedings to approve a citizen’s initiative advocating for the regularisation of around half a million undocumented foreigners residing in Spain. The initiative, backed by over 600,000 signatures and supported by numerous NGOs, received endorsement from the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE/S&D) and other parliamentary partners. Minister for Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz (PSOE), expressed full support for the initiative, highlighting plans to introduce amendments to enhance its effectiveness. However, concerns were voiced by the main opposition party, the right-wing Partido Popular (EPP), and the far-right party VOX, regarding the potential “pull effect” that regularisation may have on irregular migration. Despite opposition from conservative forces, the initiative underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights, facilitating integration, and acknowledging the significant contributions made by irregular migrants, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheaded by the #RegularizaciónYa initiative, comprising various NGOs and advocacy groups, the movement gained momentum through a nationwide signature campaign, culminating in the successful collection of half a million signatures required to propel the initiative forward in parliament.
