Around 15,000 undocumented Bangladeshis living in Spain are set to benefit from an extraordinary regularisation programme announced by the Spanish government.

The initiative, approved by the Council of Ministers on April 14, is expected to cover up to 500,000 undocumented migrants.

Applications opened today for those residing in the country without legal status.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Spain Masudur Rahman welcomed the move, calling it a “generous gesture” that would support migrants who have long lived without proper documentation.

“We are very happy about this generous gesture from the Spanish authorities. This can help the migrants who have been living here without proper documents,” he told The Daily Star today.

The embassy will extend necessary assistance to Bangladeshi applicants, he said, urging them to submit accurate information and proper documentation.

“They must provide correct documents and information,” the envoy said, noting that applicants would need papers from Bangladesh, including police clearance.

Foreign ministry officials estimate that around 75,000 Bangladeshis reside in Spain, with roughly 15,000 living without legal status.

Under the amnesty programme, eligible applicants will be granted a one-year residency and work permit, according to Al Jazeera. After that period, they may apply for longer-term work or residency permits.

Spain’s Migration Minister Elma Saiz said migrants could apply online from Thursday (April 16, 2026), while in-person applications will begin on April 20. The window will remain open until June 30.

To qualify, applicants must have entered Spain before January 1, prove they have lived in the country for at least five months, and have no criminal record.

The programme comes under the liberal government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has framed immigration as essential to addressing the country’s ageing population.

He described the initiative as “an act of justice and a necessity”, warning that “without new people working and contributing … prosperity slows”.

Spain’s population now stands at around 50 million, with nearly 10 million residents born outside the country, reflecting the growing role of migrants in sustaining the economy.