Significant Changes in Immigration Status for Euskadi Residents
In a notable development, around 26,000 immigrants residing in Euskadi are set to have their immigration status regularized over the coming months, thanks to a new initiative rolled out by the central government. While the Basque government, led by Imanol Pradales, endorses the measure itself, it has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the process has been implemented. Specifically, the regional cabinet has criticized the central government for neglecting key proposals it submitted two months ago regarding the decree. Among the most significant omissions is the failure to recognize the learning of Euskera as a merit to demonstrate integration and for access to job opportunities.
The Central Government's Decision and Regional Response
Following Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's announcement in January about an extraordinary regularization initiative that will benefit approximately half a million individuals across Spain, the government opened a public consultation period in February. This allowed regional authorities to voice their concerns and suggestions. The Basque government took this opportunity to advocate for the acknowledgment of co-official languages like Euskera as a valuable asset for social cohesion. They emphasized that while immigrants should not be required to prove their proficiency in Euskera to renew their residency permits, it should nonetheless be recognized as a sign of commitment to integration.
However, with the new decree having been finalized during a recent Council of Ministers meeting, the Basque government has resigned itself to seeing none of its recommendations included in the final text. Since the decree is a regulatory measure, it does not require validation by Congress, thus making it impervious to alterations. Nerea Melgosa, the Basque Minister of Wellbeing, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, lamented that neither linguistic nor educational considerations had been taken into account. She also criticized the central government for failing to communicate with regional institutions, which had been prepared to support the regulatory process from the outset. "They should have listened to us much more," she stated during an interview on Radio Vitoria.
On a positive note, the Pradales cabinet welcomed the inclusion of a requirement for immigrants to present a certificate proving the absence of criminal records, rather than relying solely on a self-declaration. This requirement was highlighted in a report by the Council of State, which Melgosa believes underscores the importance of immigrants contributing positively to society. Conversely, she criticized the exclusion of stateless individuals and Ukrainian citizens from the regularization process, a decision justified by the central government based on the specific statuses that each group holds.
As long queues have formed outside various consulates in Euskadi in recent days, Melgosa has urged immigrants to exercise patience and to seek information exclusively from official channels. She warned against the spread of misinformation and scams circulating on social media regarding the regularization process. The Basque government is actively working to provide comprehensive information about the procedure and plans to distribute a draft guide to associations that typically assist undocumented immigrants.
Meanwhile, the regional government continues to push for greater autonomy in managing migration issues. Last year, it took on the responsibility of welcoming beneficiaries of international protection and issuing work permits for foreigners. Now, it seeks additional tools to design structural "migration projects" without being affected by the fluctuations of national policies, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the PSOE-Sumar government and the PP-led communities. Euskadi also aims to be recognized as a northern border, which would enhance its capacity to manage migration flows at the Bidasoa boundary and secure additional resources for accommodating immigrants that often exceed its current capacity.
As reported by elcorreo.com.
