New data shows rapid growth in Spain’s foreign-born population as the government moves forward with a large-scale legalization initiative.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Spain’s foreign-born population has reached approximately 20 percent of the total population, according to newly released figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), highlighting a significant demographic shift as the government prepares to implement a broad migrant amnesty program.
Data reported by El País shows that roughly 10 million people living in Spain were born outside the country, reflecting a steady rise over the past two decades. The increase has accelerated in recent years, with about two million additional foreign-born residents recorded in the last three years alone, as detailed in a report published by El País.
The figures indicate that around half of Spain’s foreign-born population originates from the Americas. An additional 27 percent come from Europe, 17 percent from Africa and six percent from Asia. Morocco represents the single largest country of origin, with approximately 1.1 million Moroccan nationals residing in Spain—a figure that has doubled over the past two decades. Colombia follows with nearly one million nationals, while Venezuela accounts for about 700,000.
Romania, previously one of the largest foreign-born populations in Spain, has seen a decline in recent years. INE data cited in the report shows Romanian residents decreasing from around 750,000 in 2012 to approximately 500,000 today.
The demographic trend is particularly pronounced among working-age adults, with foreign-born individuals aged 20 to 64 now representing about 26 percent of Spain’s total population in that age group.
The release of the data coincides with the Spanish government’s plan to grant legal status to a large number of migrants currently residing in the country without authorization. The initiative, which could be implemented as early as this week, is expected to provide legal residency to approximately 500,000 individuals.
Under the plan, applicants would need to meet a limited set of requirements, including demonstrating a period of residence in Spain, holding valid identification documents and having no criminal record. Government projections indicate that the number of applications could reach as many as 750,000, according to reporting that the administration is expecting higher demand.
The policy has drawn scrutiny both domestically and at the European level. According to reporting, the proposal faces opposition from a majority in Spain’s parliament as well as public resistance, with survey data cited as showing a significant portion of the population opposed to the measure, as referenced in a report noting public opposition to the plan.
European Union officials have also raised concerns. European Commissioner for Asylum and Migration Magnus Brunner reportedly warned that Spain’s legalization program could have broader implications for the EU, according to documentation referenced in a report on potential EU consequences.
The government is expected to implement the measure through a Royal Decree, allowing it to proceed without a full parliamentary vote. Analysts note that this approach enables the executive branch to expedite policy changes in areas deemed urgent.
Estimates from the Spanish think tank Funcas suggest that approximately 840,000 migrants are currently living in Spain without legal status, representing about 17 percent of all non-EU foreign residents. The organization also reports that the number of undocumented migrants has increased significantly in recent years.
Funcas projects that a large share of those eligible for legalization will come from countries such as Colombia, Peru and Honduras, where disparities between legal residency figures and estimated undocumented populations are the most pronounced.
The latest data underscores the scale and pace of demographic change in Spain, as policymakers weigh economic, social and regulatory considerations tied to migration and labor market dynamics.
Original article
Comments