The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion announced on July 5, 2026, that the regularization of 12,300 undocumented migrants under the 2023 Migration Act has led to a 17% increase in social security affiliates in regions with high migrant populations, according to data from the Social Security Institute (INSS). The figure, disclosed in a press briefing by Minister of Inclusion María Jesús Montero, marks the first measurable impact of the policy, which grants temporary residency permits in exchange for tax compliance and labor registration.
The regularization program, launched in January 2023, requires applicants to declare income, pay back taxes, and secure formal employment or self-employment. A 2025 audit by the Spanish Supreme Court found that 89% of participants met these conditions, with 6,200 securing formal jobs and 4,100 registering as independent contractors. Regional governments in Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands reported the highest rates of participation, with Andalusia accounting for 32% of total registrations.
Montero emphasized that the policy aligns with EU migration directives, stating, “This is not a reward but a structured pathway to integration. Every individual who accesses rights must contribute to the system that supports them.” The minister cited a 2025 study by the Autonomous University of Madrid, which found that regularized migrants contributed €420 million in taxes and social security payments in 2024 alone.
Opposition parties have raised concerns about the long-term fiscal impact. Pablo Casado of the Popular Party questioned the sustainability of the program, noting that “while short-term gains are visible, the state’s liability for future benefits remains unaddressed.” A 2025 report by the European Commission’s Fiscal Observatory highlighted Spain’s aging population as a critical factor, with 23% of residents over 65 and a 1.25% fertility rate, according to Eurostat data.
Local unions have mixed reactions. The UGT labor federation reported a 14% rise in formal employment contracts in sectors like agriculture and hospitality, but warned of “displacement effects” in informal sectors. By contrast, the CCOO union noted that 28% of regularized migrants remain in precarious work, with many employed through subcontractors who do not extend benefits.
The government has scheduled a review of the program’s second phase in October 2026, with plans to expand eligibility to 5,000 additional applicants. However, regional authorities in Ceuta and Melilla, which border Morocco, have urged caution, citing ongoing border pressures. A July 2026 report by the Spanish Border Guard recorded 18,000 irregular entries in the first half of the year, a 22% increase from 2025.
