Spain’s centre-right Partido Popular (PP) has unveiled a hard-line immigration platform that would radically overhaul the country’s much-debated “arraigo” (‘roots’) residency system. Announced on 26 October 2025, the proposal would once again make a formal work contract the key gateway to legalising the status of long-term irregular migrants and would raise the language bar from A2 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference.
Under reforms that entered into force in May 2025, the Socialist-led government had shortened the minimum stay for arraigo social from three to two years and allowed self-employment or proof of funds in lieu of a work contract. PP leader Alberto Nuñez Feijóo argues those changes “reward passivity” and has floated a new “temporary visa” giving newcomers a brief window to find work or face removal.
Beyond arraigo, the PP blueprint calls for a points-based admissions system, mandatory “letters of commitment” to Spanish values and a tougher civics exam—measures critics liken to Australia’s skills filter or the UK’s Life in the UK Test. Migration lawyers warn that restoring a contract requirement would again channel applicants toward the black market for job offers, driving up costs and exploitation.
For employers, the biggest concern is talent scarcity. Sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and elder-care have leaned on arraigo to convert trusted staff to legal payrolls; a contract-first model could slow that pipeline just as Spain prepares for a predicted shortfall of 1 million workers by 2030. Companies with expatriate workforces should watch the parliamentary calendar: if the PP captures power in regional or national elections, HR compliance playbooks—and the feasibility of hiring from Spain’s undocumented labour pool—could change almost overnight.
Under reforms that entered into force in May 2025, the Socialist-led government had shortened the minimum stay for arraigo social from three to two years and allowed self-employment or proof of funds in lieu of a work contract. PP leader Alberto Nuñez Feijóo argues those changes “reward passivity” and has floated a new “temporary visa” giving newcomers a brief window to find work or face removal.
Beyond arraigo, the PP blueprint calls for a points-based admissions system, mandatory “letters of commitment” to Spanish values and a tougher civics exam—measures critics liken to Australia’s skills filter or the UK’s Life in the UK Test. Migration lawyers warn that restoring a contract requirement would again channel applicants toward the black market for job offers, driving up costs and exploitation.
For employers, the biggest concern is talent scarcity. Sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and elder-care have leaned on arraigo to convert trusted staff to legal payrolls; a contract-first model could slow that pipeline just as Spain prepares for a predicted shortfall of 1 million workers by 2030. Companies with expatriate workforces should watch the parliamentary calendar: if the PP captures power in regional or national elections, HR compliance playbooks—and the feasibility of hiring from Spain’s undocumented labour pool—could change almost overnight.
Quelle: Euro Weekly News
