Spain’s Proposed Immigration Overhaul: Points-Based Visas and Stricter Rules

Spain’s Proposed Immigration Overhaul: A Points-Based Visa and Stricter Rules

Spain’s political landscape is considering a significant shift in its immigration policy, with proposals aiming to introduce a points-based visa system and implement tougher measures for foreign nationals, particularly those with criminal records. The Partido Popular (PP), led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has outlined a plan that emphasizes public order, labor needs, and stricter criteria for residency and citizenship. This proposed overhaul seeks to move Spain towards a more controlled and selective approach to migration.

Expulsion for Criminal Conduct

A central tenet of the proposed immigration policy is the expulsion of foreign nationals who commit crimes. Feijóo has stated that individuals engaging in criminal activities will face immediate consequences, either at the border or through imprisonment. This measure aims to link public safety directly with immigration enforcement, signaling a firm stance against crime committed by non-citizens. The PP’s approach suggests that criminal behavior will be a primary factor in determining an individual’s right to remain in Spain.

The Points-Based Visa System

The proposed immigration reform includes the introduction of a “visado por puntos,” or points-based visa system. This system is designed to prioritize applicants who can fill specific labor shortages within Spain. Beyond employment needs, the system would also consider an applicant’s knowledge of Spanish culture and the level of cooperation their country of origin demonstrates with Spain’s migration policies. This approach moves away from a one-size-fits-all model, instead favoring migrants who align with Spain’s economic and societal priorities.

The points-based visa would be temporary and directly tied to an employment contract. If a migrant loses their job, the proposal suggests they would be required to leave the country. This strict link between legal status and continued employment is a core feature of the plan, aiming to ensure that immigration serves immediate labor demands. The PP views this as a way to manage migration effectively, ensuring that those entering Spain contribute directly to the workforce.

Stricter Nationality and Residency Requirements

Beyond entry and temporary work, the proposed policies also aim to tighten the rules for long-term residency and eventual citizenship. The PP suggests making long-term residency dependent on maintaining an employment contract, further reinforcing the connection between legal status and participation in the labor market. This would mean that continued integration into Spanish society is closely monitored through employment.

Access to Spanish nationality would also become more demanding. The plan calls for a B2 level of Spanish language proficiency, a significant increase from current requirements. Additionally, a reinforced test on institutional, legal, cultural, and historical knowledge would be implemented. These changes aim to raise the bar for citizenship, ensuring that those who become Spanish citizens have a strong command of the language and a deep understanding of the country’s foundations.

Faster Age Verification for Minors

Another aspect of the proposed reform targets the age verification process for migrants who claim to be minors. Feijóo has called for a faster process, with a maximum of 72 hours to complete age assessments. If these assessments determine that an individual is an adult, the PP wants to implement expulsion measures and potential criminal penalties for fraudulent claims. This proposal aims to streamline administrative processes while also integrating them into a law enforcement framework, treating disputed age claims as a matter of legal compliance.

Enhanced Border Enforcement

The plan also emphasizes strengthening border enforcement. This includes increasing police presence at Spain’s borders and implementing tougher controls on irregular arrivals. This aligns with Feijóo’s broader call for a more robust state response to migration. The PP leader has praised Greece’s migration policy as a model, highlighting its emphasis on stricter frontier control, tighter internal rules, and more limited conditions for long-term stays. This suggests a desire for Spain to adopt a similar approach, prioritizing security and control at its borders.

The proposed immigration policies represent a significant potential shift for Spain. The combination of a points-based visa, stricter rules for residency and citizenship, and a firm stance on criminal conduct aims to create a more ordered and controlled migration system. These measures, if enacted, would reshape how foreign nationals enter, reside, and seek citizenship in Spain, prioritizing labor needs, cultural integration, and state control.

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