Why Spain’s new Sahrawi citizenship law matters to Morocco
Spain has approved a new citizenship law allowing individuals born in Western Sahara under Spanish rule to obtain Spanish passports without any residence requirement. The Spanish parliament backed the legislation, which applies to up to 200,000 Sahrawis born before 1977. Madrid does not officially recognise the country from which these applicants originate, setting the stage for diplomatic friction. The measure grants eligible Western Saharans a direct path to national documentation through the approved legal framework.
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- ✓ Spain approved citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule.
- ✓ The Spanish parliament backed the citizenship law for Western Saharans.
- ✓ The policy applies to up to 200,000 Sahrawis with no residence required.
- ✓ The legislation applies to Western Saharans born before 1977.
What changed
The Spanish parliament backed and approved a new citizenship law for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule.
Live updates
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Spain Approves Citizenship for Sahrawis Born Under Spanish Rule
Spain has approved a new citizenship law allowing individuals born in Western Sahara under Spanish rule to obtain Spanish passports without any residence requirement. The Spanish parliament backed the legislation, which applies to up to 200,000 Sahrawis born before 1977. Madrid does not officially recognise the country from which these applicants originate, setting the stage for diplomatic friction. The measure grants eligible Western Saharans a direct path to national documentation through the approved legal framework.
Why it matters
The legislative action marks a significant shift in Spain's approach to populations from its former overseas territories. Western Sahara remains a disputed region, and Madrid's decision to extend passports directly affects regional geopolitics. This legislative step directly involves populations linked to the historic administration of the territory.
What is confirmed
- Spain approved citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule.
- The Spanish parliament backed the citizenship law for Western Saharans.
- The policy applies to up to 200,000 Sahrawis with no residence required.
- The legislation applies to Western Saharans born before 1977.
Still unconfirmed
- Spain's new citizenship law is set to spark fresh tensions with Morocco.
What to watch next
- Implementation and rollout of the citizenship application process for eligible Sahrawis
- Official diplomatic responses from Morocco regarding the new Spanish law
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- Reuters — Spain approves citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule
- Financial Times — Spain’s new citizenship law to spark fresh tensions with Morocco
- Euronews.com — Spanish parliament backs citizenship law for Western Saharans
- IMI Daily — Spain Moves to Grant Citizenship to Up to 200,000 Sahrawis, No Residence Required
- Al Jazeera — Why Spain’s new Sahrawi citizenship law matters to Morocco
- Tomorrow's Affairs — Spanish passport for people whose country Madrid does not recognise
- Anadolu Ajansı — Congress in Spain backs citizenship for Western Saharans born before 1977
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