In a landmark move with geopolitical resonance, the Justice Committee of Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a bill on 23 July granting Spanish nationality to people born in Western Sahara during Spanish administration and their descendants. Backed by the governing PSOE-Sumar coalition and left-wing allies—and opposed by Vox—the draft now heads to a plenary vote in September before moving to the Senate. Europa Press estimates up to 80,000 Sahrawis could benefit. Applicants will prove ties via historic Spanish documents (DNI, UN census receipts, birth certificates) and enjoy a simplified two-year residence path versus the standard ten. The final text shortens entry-into-force to four months after publication and waives application fees for three years. For employers, especially agribusinesses and service providers along Spain’s southern coast where many Sahrawis already work, the law could regularise a segment of the workforce, easing hiring compliance and family-reunification requests. Immigration lawyers anticipate a surge in dossier preparations starting Q4 2026; HR teams should budget for notarisation and translation of legacy documents. Diplomatically, the move rekindles debate over Spain’s stance on Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory. Observers expect Rabat to watch implementation closely, while pro-Sahrawi groups hail the bill as long-overdue historical justice. Businesses should monitor for any temporary consular slowdowns if demand overwhelms Spain’s North African missions.
Source: Europa Press
