The Spanish government has decided to grant regularization to undocumented immigrants affected by the deadly floods that occurred in Valencia on October 29. The decision comes in the aftermath of the floods that claimed the lives of 232 individuals. Keeping in view the extremely vulnerable conditions of the affected individuals, the government made this move. The decision was approved during a ministerial council meeting, aiming to ensure the legal status of those non-nationals who were residing in the flood-affected areas.
According to the Ministry of Inclusion and Migration, this initiative will provide these individuals with a “residence permit under exceptional circumstances” for a period of one year, allowing them to reside and work in Spain. Additionally, the residence permit duration for close relatives of undocumented immigrants who lost their lives in the floods will be extended to five years. Once these permits expire, beneficiaries will be able to apply for renewal through regular procedures. Approximately 25,000 individuals are expected to benefit from these measures, as announced during the ministerial meeting.
Furthermore, the automatic renewal of residence permits for non-nationals in these areas was also decided during the ministerial council meeting, with exceptions only being possible due to public order and safety reasons. The announcement was welcomed by the responsible General of New Construction in Valencia, Francisco José González Pampols, who noted the challenge faced by companies employing workers in the affected areas. He stated, “If these people are capable of being employed in essential tasks in this area, they are welcome.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a positive stance on migration in Spain, considering the increasing population age in the country. This viewpoint contrasts with that of many other European countries. This perspective is leading the government towards adopting new regulations in the coming three years to regularize tens of thousands of unauthorized immigrants.
