Published on
02/07/2026 - 16:35 GMT+2
Almost 1.2 million undocumented migrants have sought legal status in Spain under a scheme that has defied a growing European crackdown on irregular immigration, according to final figures released on Thursday.
The government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a standard bearer of more open immigration policies, launched the vast plan in April while European neighbours toughen measures in response to pressure from ascendant far-right parties.
A total of 1,174,978 applications were submitted between mid-April and 30 June when the window closed, with more than 600,000 already being processed, Secretary of State for Migration Pilar Cancela told a press conference in Madrid.
