President Criticizes Popular Party for Opposing Immigrant Regularization, Calls for “B” Workers; Popular Party Retorts: You Govern Against Spaniards

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused the opposition People’s Party (PP) of wanting “workers in B” for opposing his government’s migrant regularisation programme, which aims to grant legal status to over 500,000 undocumented migrants in Spain.

The criticism came during a parliamentary session where Sánchez defended the government’s decision to proceed with the regularisation process, arguing that it is necessary to integrate migrant workers into the formal economy and provide them with rights and protections.

In response, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo rebutted Sánchez’s claims, stating that the prime minister “governs against the Spaniards” by prioritising undocumented migrants over the needs of Spanish citizens, particularly in areas such as housing, healthcare, and employment.

The exchange highlights the growing political divide in Spain over immigration policy, with the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) supporting large-scale regularisation as a matter of humanitarian and economic policy, while the PP argues it encourages illegal migration and undermines the rule of law.

According to verified reports, Spain introduced the mass amnesty programme in January 2026, with over 500,000 undocumented migrants eligible to apply for legal residency and work permits. The initiative is part of broader efforts to regularise undocumented migrants at scale and integrate them into the social security and tax systems.

The PP has criticised the programme, claiming it creates a pull factor for further illegal migration and places unsustainable pressure on public services. Party representatives have argued that resources should instead be directed toward supporting Spanish citizens facing economic hardship.

Sánchez has maintained that the regularisation process is both a legal obligation under international human rights frameworks and a practical necessity for Spain’s economy, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages such as agriculture, construction, and care work.

The debate comes amid broader European discussions on migration and integration, with several EU member states grappling with how to manage undocumented populations while balancing humanitarian concerns and domestic political pressures.

As of April 2026, the regularisation process remains ongoing, with applicants submitting documentation through regional government offices. The government has stated that each case will be assessed individually to verify eligibility, including proof of residence in Spain for a minimum period and lack of criminal record.