Spain’s ‘humane migration policy’ is ‘model for Europe’, minister says
Spain’s ‘humane migration policy’ is ‘model for Europe’, minister says
A New Approach to Migration
Spain s humane migration policy is model – Spain’s migration minister, Elma Saiz, has described the nation’s approach to managing migration as an example for other European countries to follow. During an exclusive interview with Euronews’ 12 Minutes With programme, Saiz emphasized that Spain’s policy is rooted in integration, coexistence, and recognizing the contributions of migrants to the country’s social and economic fabric. This vision stands in contrast to the increasingly restrictive measures adopted by many EU nations, which have been tightening borders in recent years. “Spain was once a country of migrants. Today it is a country of opportunities,” she stated, highlighting the transformation of the nation’s identity through migration.
The minister argued that Spain’s strategy, which prioritizes a humane and structured method of handling immigration, serves as a blueprint for Europe. This approach includes a regularisation process designed to grant legal status to over 500,000 individuals currently living in the country without proper documentation. Saiz noted that the initiative, approved earlier this year, targets those who have already become part of Spain’s population, ensuring they are recognized as active contributors rather than transient arrivals. “These are people who are already among us. The issue is that they currently have neither rights nor obligations,” she explained, underscoring the need for legal frameworks that align with the responsibilities of those residing in the country.
Eligibility and Public Support
Under the regularisation programme, undocumented migrants must meet specific criteria to qualify for legal status. These include having lived in Spain for at least five months or having applied for asylum before the end of 2025. Saiz addressed concerns about the capacity of public services to handle the influx of newcomers, asserting that strengthening these systems is essential for accommodating a growing population. “It is extremely important that public services are strengthened in line with the population they are meant to serve,” she said, countering fears that the policy might overwhelm Spain’s infrastructure.
She also highlighted the strong public backing for the initiative, which emerged from a legislative proposal signed by over 700,000 citizens. This grassroots effort was supported by numerous civil society organizations, employers’ groups, and institutional bodies, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for a more inclusive migration strategy. “The programme is not just a government decision—it is a reflection of the people’s will,” Saiz noted, framing the policy as a democratic response to evolving challenges.
European Concerns and National Sovereignty
Despite the domestic support, the European Commission and some member states have expressed reservations about Spain’s plan. Critics worry that the regularisation process might lead to an increase in individuals seeking residency in other EU countries without prior authorization, potentially straining the Schengen system. However, Saiz defended the policy, stating that it operates within the boundaries of national sovereignty. “We are talking about something that falls, as European representatives have rightly said, under the sovereignty and decision-making of our country,” she said, explaining that the measure focuses on individuals already integrated into Spain’s economy and society.
Saiz clarified that the regularisation process does not permit newly documented individuals to move freely to other EU nations. Instead, they are restricted to residing and working solely within Spain. This decision, she added, was made independently of consultations with European partners, a move that drew some criticism from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. “The initiative was taken without prior coordination, but that does not diminish its validity,” she asserted, emphasizing Spain’s autonomy in shaping its migration framework.
Humanitarian Model and Economic Impact
Saiz positioned Spain’s policy as an alternative to the EU’s current emphasis on stricter migration controls. She pointed to a significant decline in irregular arrivals along key routes such as the Canary Islands, attributing this trend to the effectiveness of the nation’s approach. “This demonstrates that a humanitarian approach can coexist with efficient migration management,” she said, arguing that Spain has successfully balanced compassion with practicality. The minister also stressed that migration should be guided by evidence and long-term planning rather than short-term political pressures. “Spain’s model is both pragmatic and principled, adapting to the realities of a changing European landscape,” she added.
According to Saiz, the regularisation programme has already shown tangible benefits for Spain’s labor market. She cited data indicating that over 40% of jobs created since the recent labor reform were filled by foreign workers, many of whom have entered higher-skilled sectors. This statistic, she claimed, illustrates how migration can drive economic growth and innovation. “Foreign workers are not just filling gaps—they are contributing to the future of our economy,” the minister said, reinforcing her belief in the mutual benefits of immigration.
EU Cooperation and International Role
While Spain’s policy diverges from some EU member states’ stricter measures, Saiz acknowledged the importance of collaboration at the European level. She referenced the Migration and Asylum Pact, which was adopted during Spain’s presidency of the Council of the EU, as evidence of a shared commitment to coordinated solutions. “This pact reflects a common understanding that migration management requires unity and foresight,” she said, expressing optimism about future cooperation. However, she also noted that Spain’s initiative could serve as a model for other countries to adopt similar strategies.
Looking beyond migration, Saiz framed Spain’s policy as part of a broader effort to reinforce the nation’s role in international affairs. She described the initiative as an extension of Spain’s dedication to multilateralism and adherence to international law. “Our position is essentially about being consistent with the values that have taken all of us a great deal of effort to achieve,” she said, adding that these values are foundational to the European Union’s cohesion. The minister’s vision aligns with the idea that migration can be a unifying force, fostering solidarity and shared goals among European nations.
Despite the potential for friction, Saiz remains confident that Spain’s approach will gain traction across Europe. “The world is changing, and so must our policies,” she argued, advocating for a more flexible and inclusive model. The regularisation programme, she believes, not only addresses immediate challenges but also sets a precedent for how migration can be managed in a way that respects both national interests and collective European values. As Spain continues to refine its strategy, the minister’s words suggest a hopeful outlook for the future of migration in the region.
Spain’s policy is not without its critics, particularly in Brussels, where some policymakers question its compatibility with the EU’s current tightening of migration rules. However, Saiz insists that the initiative complements, rather than conflicts with, the union’s overarching objectives. “This programme offers a viable alternative that respects the rules of the European Union, including the Schengen system,” she said, reinforcing the idea that Spain’s approach is both innovative and compliant. The minister’s arguments highlight a growing divide between nations that prioritize control and those that emphasize integration, with Spain at the forefront of the latter.
As the debate over migration policy continues to shape European politics, Spain’s stance provides a compelling case for rethinking traditional approaches. Saiz’s vision of a balanced, rights-based system that prioritizes both humanitarian values and economic efficiency may inspire other countries to explore similar models. With a focus on long-term thinking and evidence-based decisions, Spain’s policy stands as a testament to the possibility of harmonizing migration with national and European interests.
