Balearic Government Vows Legal Challenge Against Spain’s Immigration Regularization Plan
Once the legislative text for the mass regularisation of the status of immigrants in Spain is definitively approved, the Balearic Government has signalled its intention to mount an appeal against this in the courts.
Scope and Eligibility of the Regularization Measure
The Spanish Government’s delegation in the Balearics estimates that this regularisation could apply to 10,800 immigrants on the islands, though officials acknowledge the final number may rise as applications progress. Under the proposal announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration, immigrants meeting these criteria may qualify:
- Proof of residency in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025
- Applications for international protection (asylum seekers)
- No criminal record in Spain
Successful applicants will receive temporary work permits. After one year, they must transition through Spain’s standard immigration process to maintain legal status.
Political Opposition and Legal Uncertainties
The Balearic Government, led by President Marga Prohens of the Partido Popular (PP), has pledged to use “all available means to reject the extraordinary regularisation,” aligning with PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s national stance. Far-right party Vox also plans to seek immediate suspension of the measure through courts.
Prohens criticized the policy as “opportunistic,” arguing it distracts from domestic issues like transportation challenges. “Residency cannot be given away or used as an excuse for short-term partisan politics,” she stated on January 30. While past regularizations occurred in Spain (notably in 2005), Prohens contends this approach—prioritizing residence duration over employment contracts—creates a “false and dangerous” narrative about immigration.
However, legal experts question the feasibility of regional appeals since immigration policy falls under state jurisdiction. Constitutional limits may restrict the Balearic Islands’ authority to block the measure.
NGOs and Social Organizations Voice Support
Charities and advocacy groups across the Balearics have welcomed the policy. Maria Crespí, legal services director at Càritas Mallorca, called it “a social, moral, economic, and political necessity” that advances justice for vulnerable populations.
The Red Cross has pledged logistical support for applicants. “We’ll monitor regularization procedures and assist people through the process,” confirmed regional coordinator Ana Espinosa. Andreu Grimalt of the EAPN anti-poverty network urged regional authorities to streamline application processing: “This is good news for social cohesion.”
Balancing Policy and Practical Realities
As debates escalate, the policy’s implementation timeline remains unclear. The Spanish Government has yet to publish finalized procedures, though social organizations emphasize urgency given the estimated 10,800+ eligible immigrants in the Balearics alone.
For now, the Balearic Government’s challenge symbolizes broader tensions between Spain’s progressive immigration reforms and conservative regional leadership. Legal outcomes may hinge on whether courts view the measure as a humanitarian imperative or an overreach of state power.
Source: Majorca Daily Bulletin
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