PP-Ruled Regions Boycott Immigration Conference, Stalling Coordination on Spain’s Regularisation
Interior assigns ‘arraigo’ application back-office work to Ministry of Territorial Policy
Government says 70 % of extraordinary regularisation cases already in process
Latest News
Caminito del Rey closes to visitors as Andalusia issues 44 °C heat alert
The operators of the Caminito del Rey walkway in Málaga have cancelled all visits on 23–24 July because a forecast 44 °C heatwave poses safety risks. The move affects thousands of tourists and business-leisure travellers and highlights how extreme temperatures are beginning to disrupt Spain’s outdoor attractions and corporate events.
Canary Islands declare heat-wave pre-alert from 23 July; travellers advised to adjust itineraries
Emergency authorities in the Canary Islands have issued a heat-wave pre-alert effective 23 July, enabling local councils and businesses to shorten outdoor work and tourist activities. Travellers should expect reduced opening hours and ensure adequate hydration, while companies must comply with Spain’s updated heat-stress labour regulations.
Judge refuses to release passports of prime minister’s wife despite court order
Judge Peinado has refused to hand back the passports of Begoña Gómez and Cristina Álvarez, insisting they collect them personally despite a higher court’s order lifting the travel ban. The dispute underscores how judicial passport seizures can abruptly curtail international mobility, even for high-profile individuals.
Iberia offers flexible rebooking for Caracas flights as Venezuela quake fallout hits Spanish corporate travel
Iberia has expanded change-fee waivers and refund options for Madrid–Caracas customers through 25 July after earthquake damage continues to restrict operations at Caracas airport. The policy extension gives Spanish companies more flexibility to adjust Venezuelan assignments while the country recovers.
Fires force one-hour shutdown of Madrid-Barcelona AVE high-speed line
Two vegetation fires next to the Madrid-Barcelona track halted all AVE traffic for just over an hour on 23 July, delaying 14 trains and thousands of passengers. The incident highlights growing wildfire risks to Spain’s high-speed network and the need for robust contingency plans for business travellers.
EU Tweaks ETIAS Website, Signalling Possible Delay—and €20 Fee—for Visa-Free Travellers
The EU has replaced its ETIAS website wording, indicating the system is “not yet operational,” and confirming a €20 fee. The move suggests the travel authorisation’s launch could slide beyond Q4 2026, giving companies more time to prepare but requiring refreshed employee communications.
Alicante climatologist warns of “new normal” as third heatwave peaks; Civil Protection urges travellers to plan ahead
As Alicante endures its third heatwave of the summer, climatologist Jorge Olcina says extreme heat is now a structural feature of the region’s climate. Civil-Protection officials have re-issued travel safety advice, and businesses are adapting meeting schedules and duty-of-care measures for staff and visitors.
43 migrants rescued off Alicante; three alleged skippers arrested
Salvamento Marítimo and National Police rescued 43 people from two small boats off Alicante on 23 July and arrested three suspected smugglers. The case illustrates the growing shift of irregular crossings to Spain’s eastern coast and the operational rollout of biometric registration under the EU Entry/Exit System.
Third 2026 Heatwave Spurs Travel Advisories and Largest-Ever EU Wildfire Deployment
Temperatures forecast up to 47 °C have prompted red-alert weather warnings and a record EU wildfire-response deployment. While no airports are yet shut, travellers to Andalusia, Aragón and the Levante should monitor airline waivers and local alerts. Firms should activate heat-stress protocols for staff on assignment.
Royal Decree 611/2026 sets binding decarbonisation targets for Spanish transport
A new royal decree published on 23 July requires fuel suppliers—and, by extension, carriers and large fleets—to meet ambitious renewable-energy or emissions-reduction quotas from 2027. The measure integrates EU ReFuelEU Aviation targets and signals higher compliance costs for airlines, shipping lines and corporate road fleets.
Palma Airport Ground-Handling Staff Call Flash Strikes for 28 July–8 August
Swissport workers at Palma de Mallorca Airport will hold four half-day strikes between 28 July and 8 August after wage talks failed. The walkouts threaten check-in and baggage operations during Spain’s busiest holiday weeks, affecting airlines, tour operators and corporate travellers. Contingency planning and luggage-light travel are advised.
Spanish Congress Committee Passes Fast-Track Law Granting Citizenship to Up to 80,000 Sahrawis
Spain’s lower-house Justice Committee has green-lit a bill that will allow tens of thousands of Sahrawis born under Spanish rule—and their descendants—to obtain citizenship through a fast-track process. The measure could regularise significant segments of Spain’s migrant workforce and has diplomatic implications for relations with Morocco.