Spain’s extraordinary regularisation programme – launched in April to grant residence and work permits to an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants – enters its final fortnight amid mounting bureaucratic hurdles. NGOs report appointment backlogs of up to six weeks at Extranjería offices, scarce slots for biometric enrolment and slow responses from consulates asked to legalise foreign police records. The advocacy platform Regularización Ya filed a non-binding motion in Congress yesterday seeking a deadline extension beyond 30 June and a freeze on deportations for applicants in process. The Ombudsman has echoed the call, citing “institutional racism” in selective checks and expedited removals. Pope Leo XIV’s high-profile visit to the Canary Islands has amplified the debate. Speaking at the Arguineguín dock – epicentre of Atlantic migrant arrivals – the pontiff urged “safe, legal pathways” and mutual integration. The government claims his words validate its policy but admits staffing shortfalls. For businesses employing long-term irregular workers (for example, domestic carers or construction labourers) the programme offers a last chance to legalise payrolls without fines. HR departments should ensure all documents – proof of continuous residence, labour contracts or social-service certificates – are filed this week and push providers to secure fingerprint appointments. Missing the cut-off will force candidates back to slower arraigo procedures lasting up to three years.
Source: Infobae España
