In a second regulatory update posted on 18 July, the National Police published an overhauled description of the administrative sanctions procedure for immigration infringements. The update lists which authorities—delegates of the central government, police commissioners or the Secretary of State for Security—are competent to initiate and resolve cases ranging from overstaying to employing undocumented workers. Among the notable clarifications: labour-related infractions detected by the Labour Inspectorate will now trigger an immigration sanction automatically; repeat minor infractions within a two-year period will be escalated to the ‘grave’ category; and the maximum resolution period has been fixed at six months, after which proceedings expire unless a judicial appeal is filed. For companies, the manual specifies that fines for hiring irregular migrants start at €10,000 per employee and may include a ban on public contracts for up to two years. Individuals found facilitating irregular entry—such as landlords issuing false housing certificates—face penalties of up to €60,000. HR and global-mobility teams should audit hiring practices and supplier chains to ensure compliance, particularly in sectors that rely on seasonal or third-country labour. The guidance signals a stricter enforcement climate as Spain seeks to balance more flexible residence paths with tougher action against abuse.
