Spain receives 900,000 applications in migrant legalisation drive, double expected demand
Spain’s government has received 900,000 applications for legalisation under its amnesty programme, far surpassing the initial projection of 500,000. With 15 days remaining until the June 30 deadline, the volume exceeds all prior regularisation schemes. Officials acknowledge the surge as a record, though warnings persist about administrative capacity. Temporary work permits have already been issued to some applicants.
What changed
Applications have doubled to 900,000 from the expected 500,000, with the government confirming the figure as of June 16, 2026.
Live updates
-
Spain’s migrant legalisation drive hits 900,000 applications—double forecast
confidence 98%Spain’s government has received 900,000 applications for legalisation under its amnesty programme, far surpassing the initial projection of 500,000. With 15 days remaining until the June 30 deadline, the volume exceeds all prior regularisation schemes. Officials acknowledge the surge as a record, though warnings persist about administrative capacity. Temporary work permits have already been issued to some applicants.
What's confirmed:
- Spain’s Migration Ministry reported 900,000 applications for legal status under the current amnesty programme as of June 15, 2026.
- The programme initially anticipated half a million applications, making the actual total double the forecast.
- The June 30 deadline for submissions remains in place, with 15 days left for additional applications.
- Temporary work permits have already been granted to some applicants as part of the process.
- The current volume surpasses any previous regularisation scheme in Spain’s history.
Still unconfirmed:
- Government officials have been criticised for failing to adequately prepare for the surge in applications.
- The scheme’s success may strain administrative resources and delay processing for some applicants.