Over 37,500 undocumented immigrants in Spain have applied in the Canary Islands to regularise their status under a government scheme, primarily in Las Palmas. According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, 21,807 applications have come from Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, while 15,718 are from Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
So far, 12,810 appointments have been made to process these applications, with local offices handling a quarter of all requests submitted.
Elma Saiz, the Minister for Inclusion, announced that nearly 1.2 million applications have been recorded in the extraordinary regularisation process for migrants, with 52%—about 608,000—currently being processed. She emphasised the significance of this high number, stating it reflects the necessity of such a procedure, allowing many residents in Spain, who have lived in fear and without rights, a chance for a hopeful future.
The minister noted that the processing of applications grants a provisional residence and work permit across the country. The regions with the highest number of applications include Catalonia, with over 257,000; Madrid, at 202,000; the Valencian Community, 167,000; and Andalusia, 161,000.
Saiz revealed that 67% of applicants are from Central and South America, with Colombia accounting for 26% of total applications, followed by Morocco at 13.4%, Venezuela at 11.7%, and Peru at 8.8%.
“This is a successful procedure, a significant milestone in our migration policy, and a collective effort we can be very proud of,” she concluded.
