Spain’s extraordinary migrant regularisation programme tops 900,000 applications two weeks before deadline
Wildfire forces suspension of Madrid–Barcelona high-speed rail services
New Royal Decree Modernises Training Rules for Spain’s Professional Drivers
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Guide warns Spain-based expats how EU Entry/Exit System is changing border checks
A 18 June practice note from Barcelona firm Klev & Vera details how the fully operational EU Entry/Exit System records every non-EU traveller’s movements. Spain-based expatriates without up-to-date residence cards risk delays and potential overstay flags, while employers face new compliance and tax-tracking obligations.
Weekend engineering works to suspend Cercanías services between Gandia and Tavernes
Cercanías line C-1 will be replaced by buses between Gandia and Tavernes for 15 hours over the 20-21 June weekend due to track works. Renfe’s short blockade underscores how infrastructure upgrades can temporarily disrupt commuter and leisure mobility along Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
170 Flights Delayed or Cancelled at Madrid-Barajas in Peak-Season Meltdown
Madrid-Barajas recorded 170 heavily disrupted flights on 17 June, stranding thousands of passengers and exposing capacity limits at Spain’s busiest airport. The event underscores the need for wider connection buffers and vigorous enforcement of EU261 compensation rights.
Spain Opposes EU Plan for Offshore ‘Return Hubs’ as Parliament Passes Tougher Migration Rules
The European Parliament has authorised member states to create deportation centres outside the EU, but Spain voted against funding the concept, arguing it violates human-rights standards. The stance may further polarise Spain’s domestic debate on migration and adds compliance risk for employers with non-EU staff.
EU Migration & Asylum Pact Takes Effect, Forcing Spain to Re-tool Border and Asylum Procedures
From 17 June the EU’s new Migration & Asylum Pact is legally binding. Spain must introduce accelerated border-asylum procedures, expand detention and accept a quota of relocated migrants or pay into an EU fund. Business travellers will face stricter API and biometric requirements on arrival, while companies should brace for faster—but harsher—decisions at airports and land borders.
Mallorca’s New EES Border Checks Trigger Three-Hour Queues for Non-EU Arrivals
Local industry groups say EES biometric checks at Palma airport are causing up to three-hour waits for non-EU visitors. Travel agents are pressing for extra staff and better passenger information as Mallorca enters peak season, signalling wider teething problems for Spain’s EES rollout.
Correos Braces for Post-Deadline Chaos as Regularisation Moves Fully On-Line
Internal documents show Spain’s postal operator Correos is worried about a surge of walk-in traffic once the migrant regularisation window closes on 30 June and all filings move on-line. Without appointment slots or extra staff, branches could face long queues and service disruptions, affecting both migrants and businesses that rely on Correos for identity verification and document delivery.
170-Flight Meltdown at Madrid-Barajas Triggers Nationwide Business-Travel Disruptions
Aena confirmed 163 delays and seven cancellations at Madrid-Barajas on 17 June, stranding thousands of passengers and wreaking havoc on corporate itineraries. The breakdown exposes capacity limits at Spain’s main hub just as peak summer travel begins; companies should expect residual delays and review contingency plans.
EU Migration & Asylum Pact Enters Into Force: Spanish NGOs Warn of Rights Risks
The EU’s Migration & Asylum Pact took effect on 12 June, triggering a six-month transposition clock. Spanish NGOs say faster border screening could undermine access to protection, while the Interior Ministry prepares domestic rules that reject offshore camps. Businesses should expect faster removals, a smaller irregular-workforce pool and new compliance obligations tied to EU biometric systems.
Palma Airport Wheelchair-Assistance Staff Launch Indefinite 24-Hour Strike
PRM assistance workers at Palma Airport began an indefinite, 24-hour strike on 17 June after talks with contractor Adelte failed. The action threatens delays for passengers requiring wheelchair or lift services during Spain’s peak holiday season and could ripple through flight departure schedules.
Spain Stands Alone as EU Green-Lights Deportation Centres
The European Parliament has approved a Return Regulation that clears the way for migrant deportation centres outside the EU, but Spain has formally rejected the scheme, citing human-rights and legal concerns. Spain’s dissent means it is unlikely to use extra-territorial camps, which matters for businesses relocating non-EU staff because returns from Spain will remain on Spanish soil. Companies should expect uneven enforcement across Europe and reassess mobility risk strategies.
Post-Office Network Braces for July Surge as Spain’s Mass Regularisation Moves Online Only
From 1 July Spain’s extraordinary regularisation will switch to fully online filing via Correos. With 900,000 applications already logged, the postal operator predicts heavy queues and document-handling strains, while companies must adapt HR workflows to the new all-digital process.