In 2025, Spain once again found itself at the center of heated debates over migration. Issues related to entry, legalization, and support for foreigners have split politicians and society into several camps. Conservatives propose introducing a visa system where points are awarded for in-demand professions and integration. This idea, voiced by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, echoes an earlier initiative by Mariano Rajoy that was never implemented. However, the details remain unclear: it is not specified whether this would only be a permit for entry or a full right of residency.
At the same time, as a member of the European Union, Spain cannot unilaterally change entry rules but can regulate residency conditions. A similar experience took place in 2019, when descendants of Spaniards were allowed to look for work in the country, but this scheme did not become widespread.
Meanwhile, right-wing parties such as Vox are calling for tougher measures: mass deportations, revoking citizenship, and a complete ban on immigration. However, such proposals face legal limitations and contradict the constitution. The People’s Party insists that their approach would make it easier to expel violators; in practice, however, many countries are reluctant to take their citizens back. The reason is simple: migrants’ remittances support the economies of these states. In response, sanctions are proposed against countries that refuse to cooperate, but France’s experience with Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria has shown that such measures are largely ineffective.
Among the new proposals is the automatic expulsion for serious crimes or repeated minor offenses. Experts point out that similar regulations already exist, and stricter measures could lead to excessive deportations. Left-wing parties, on the other hand, promise a humane approach: ending deaths in the Mediterranean, closing migrant detention centers, but do not offer clear mechanisms for managing the influx of foreigners.
By autumn 2025, the number of foreign workers in Spain exceeded three million, accounting for 14% of the employed population. Over the past year, migrants filled almost half of the new jobs. The Socialists emphasize the contribution of newcomers to the economy, while the opposition accuses them of abusing social benefits. There are proposals to limit access to benefits for the unemployed, which could undermine the principle of equality between citizens and legal residents.
European laws do not allow for a sharp restriction of the rights of long-term residents, but the debate over reducing assistance continues. At the same time, right-wing parties appeal to the protection of language and traditions, although the current system already provides advantages for those from Latin America, who can obtain citizenship in just two years, unlike other foreigners who must wait ten years for this right.
Experts believe that such differences are driven by political considerations, and society has yet to realize how selective migration policy is. This issue remains out of sight even for left-wing parties, which prefer not to raise uncomfortable topics.
