Spain Moves to Regularise Undocumented Migrants, Nigerians Among Likely Beneficiaries

The Spanish government has unveiled a new migration policy that will grant temporary legal status to undocumented migrants living in the country, a move expected to benefit thousands of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Under the plan, eligible migrants will receive a one-year residence permit, providing legal access to housing, healthcare, and employment. The initiative was announced on Tuesday by Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, who described the decision as a major shift toward a more inclusive and rights-based migration system.

According to the guidelines, the programme applies to migrants who can prove continuous residence in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025, and who have no criminal record. Authorities say the policy is designed to bring long-term undocumented residents into the formal system while supporting social integration and economic participation.

The regularisation process is scheduled to begin in April and will run through June. Successful applicants will be issued a one-year residence permit, with the possibility of renewal depending on individual circumstances and compliance with immigration rules.

Spanish officials estimate that close to 500,000 undocumented migrants could qualify for the scheme. Many are believed to be from Africa, including a significant number of Nigerians who entered Spain through irregular migration routes in recent years.

The policy has been welcomed by migrant advocacy groups, who argue that legal status will reduce exploitation, improve public safety, and strengthen Spain’s labour market. However, some opposition parties have called for tighter controls, raising concerns about border management and long-term immigration pressure.

For many undocumented Nigerians and other migrants, the announcement represents a rare opportunity to regularise their stay and rebuild their lives within Spain’s legal framework.