An emergency legalization program for foreign agricultural workers has come into effect in Spain. According to union estimates, about 200,000 migrants who previously worked without official status will now be able to obtain permits for work and residency. The government’s decision responds to the acute labor shortage in the agricultural sector and numerous appeals from industry organizations.
Reaction to the new measure
In Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia, where the majority of foreign field workers are concentrated, news of the legalization has brought noticeable relief. Union representatives note that informal employment and migrant vulnerability were especially high in agriculture. According to Jaén Acoge, about 3,000 people in the province of Jaén alone will be able to benefit from the program. Employers and unions emphasize that the new measure will bring a significant part of the economy out of the shadows and reduce the risk of exploitation.
Practical changes for the agricultural sector
According to official statistics, by the end of 2025, almost 250,000 foreign workers were registered in the Special Agricultural Regime System (SEA), accounting for more than a third of all those employed in this sector. The main countries of origin are Morocco, Romania, and Senegal. In Andalusia, according to Fundación Ciudadanía Global estimates, up to 60,000 foreigners will be able to benefit from the new program. Regional authorities note that legalization will help cover the seasonal worker shortage, which reaches 150,000 people annually.
Position of authorities and organizations
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas stated that migrants make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, and granting them legal status is a necessary step to ensure their rights and obligations. Trade unions and agricultural associations believe that speeding up the legalization process will help prevent disruptions to harvest campaigns and increase transparency in the labor market. At the same time, employer representatives point out that the program does not take into account the specifics of certain sectors, such as construction and hospitality, where there is also a staff shortage.
Procedure details and limitations
One of the key changes is the reduction of the minimum residency period required to apply — now just five months instead of two years. In some regions, such as Seville, special campaigns have already been launched to promote legalization through the socio-labor integration mechanism. However, some proposals, such as the possibility to combine receiving subsidies with agricultural work, have not yet been supported by the administration.
The issue of mass legalization of migrants in Spain has already become the subject of a parliamentary inquiry: members of parliament are assessing the consequences of the reform for the country and the EU. Against this backdrop, humanitarian organizations emphasize that integration of migrants requires not only administrative decisions, but also the creation of decent working and living conditions.
