Spain’s New Immigration Reform to Regularise Thousands of Undocumented Ghanaians

Thousands of undocumented Ghanaian migrants living in Spain are set to benefit from a sweeping new immigration reform introduced by the Spanish government to regularise the status of irregular migrants and asylum seekers.

The policy, announced by Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, targets undocumented immigrants who have resided in the country for at least five months prior to December 31, 2025. It is expected to benefit up to 500,000 migrants nationwide, including a significant number of Ghanaians.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development during an engagement with members of the Ghanaian community in Vic, Spain. His visit followed bilateral talks with Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares Bueno, held on the sidelines of the Fourth Meeting in Defence of Democracy in Barcelona.

The regularisation exercise, which began on April 16, 2026, is scheduled to run until the end of June. It marks Spain’s most comprehensive immigration reform in over two decades, aimed at integrating migrants already contributing to the country’s economy into the formal legal framework.

Under the policy, successful applicants will be granted an initial one-year residence permit, providing a pathway into Spain’s legal immigration system. After this period, beneficiaries may transition into standard residence arrangements under existing immigration laws, although this does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

The reform also grants migrants the right to work legally across Spain, enabling access to formal employment contracts and reducing reliance on the informal sector. Authorities say the initiative will help curb labour exploitation while offering legal protection to both workers and employers.

Children of applicants already residing in Spain will receive five-year residence permits, a move expected to enhance family stability. Beneficiaries will also be enrolled in Spain’s social security system, granting access to labour protections, pension contributions and other employment-related benefits.

However, the policy does not confer automatic citizenship or voting rights. Migrants must meet existing requirements for Spanish nationality, including a minimum of 10 years of legal residence, with shorter periods applicable to certain nationalities and recognised refugees.

Describing the initiative as “inclusive, tolerant and forward-looking,” Mr Ablakwa said the policy would safeguard the rights of Ghanaian migrants while opening up employment opportunities.

“This is a win-win policy that not only ensures dignity and legal status for migrants but also addresses Spain’s ageing population and promotes economic growth through remittances and skills development,” he said.

The minister further indicated that the Government of Ghana would support applicants by facilitating access to required documentation, particularly police clearance certificates. Applicants must demonstrate a clean criminal record in their home country to qualify.

“We are working with the Ghana Police Service, which has designated an officer to assist the Ghanaian community here with the application process. The aim is to ensure swift processing of criminal record forms to enable our citizens to benefit fully from this opportunity,” he explained.

Mr Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana and Spain were strengthening cooperation in areas such as maritime security and labour mobility, with plans to formalise agreements that would create additional employment pathways for Ghanaians abroad.

Members of the Ghanaian community in Spain have welcomed the policy. Emmanuel Kwabena Amponsah, an undocumented migrant, described the reform as a relief, noting that it would ease fears of deportation and improve working conditions.

“I have lived here for over a year in uncertainty. This policy gives us peace of mind and a chance to work legally,” he said.

Another migrant, Sarah Mensah, urged authorities to expedite the processing of required documents, particularly police clearance certificates, to ensure that eligible applicants do not miss the opportunity.

The reform is widely seen as a significant step in addressing irregular migration while strengthening Spain’s labour force and promoting social inclusion.