The Government of Spain, through the Council of Ministers and under the recommendation of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, approved a new Immigration Regulation with the aim of strengthening the integration of migrants.
This reform aims to address three main axes: work, training and family, as well as adapting the rules to the labor and demographic needs of the country. he must official website of the Ministry.
Minister Elma Saiz described the initiative as “the most complete and progressive reform in 13 years.” As explained, this new regulation not only protects rights and simplifies procedures, but also establishes a clearer and more flexible legal framework to help manage migrants who want to develop their life project in Spain.
“It provides legal security and expands the opportunities for those who live in our country, improving their social and labor integration,” said Saiz.
Major changes in visas and standardization due to roots
The regulation introduces a new approach to visas, simplifying requirements and establishing initial one-year permits, renewable for four years. In addition, it will extend the duration of the work study visa from three months to one year, which will allow better integration into the labor market.
In terms of roots, five methods were created: social, socio-labor, family, socio-training and second chance. The latter, according to Saiz, is an innovation aimed at people who lost their residence in the last two years. In addition, the minimum time spent in Spain to get to roots has been reduced from three to two years.
“The aim is to strengthen the access paths to regularization, promoting a complete life for migrants, with rights and responsibilities as any citizen,” said the minister.
Estimated impact and inclusive measures
It is estimated that this reform will allow 900,000 people to be regulated in three years, with around 300,000 benefiting each year. By the end of 2023, more than 210,000 people had already managed their situation through roots, showing an increase of 30.4% compared to 2022.
The regulation also improves conditions for temporary workers, facilitates access to permits for students and expands rights in family reunification, now including couples who are not formally registered and extending the age of child reunification to 26 years.
“It is a strong step towards inclusive integration and respect for human rights, balancing our needs as a society with the protection of those who have chosen Spain as their home,” concluded Saiz.
Consult all official information of the new Immigration Regulations in Spain.
What specific aspects of Spain’s new immigration policies do you believe will most effectively enhance the integration of migrants into Spanish society?
Thank you for joining me today, [Guest 1] and [Guest 2]. We’re here to discuss the recent changes to Spain’s immigration policies and how they aim to strengthen the integration of migrants in the country. Let’s start with some general questions.
[Guest 1] Can you both please introduce yourselves and share your perspectives on the impact of these new immigration regulations?
[Guest 2], as someone who has been following the developments in Spain’s immigration policies, how do you see these changes comparing to previous reforms? Are they significant?
[Guest 1], as an immigrant in Spain yourself, what are some of the challenges you faced in terms of visas, residence, and integration? Do you believe these changes will address these issues?
[Guest 2], could you please elaborate on the role of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration in shaping these policies? What people or groups were involved in this reform process?
The new regulations place a strong emphasis on work and training opportunities for migrants. [Guest 1], as a representative of the employment sector, how do you see these changes impacting the labor market and businesses in Spain?
[Guest 2], could you share some of the key measures in the regulations that promote family reunification and how they benefit both the migrant population and the society as a whole?
There have also been concerns about the impact of immigration on public services such as healthcare and education. [Guest 1], how do you think these changes will address these concerns or make it easier for migrants to access social services?
Lastly, what do you think are some of the next steps for Spain’s immigration policies? Are there any areas that need further improvement or attention?
