News, May 2005

'Extraordinary Regularisation of paperless immigrants' proceeds apace

April. Announced late last year and started during March, hundreds of thousands of immigrants to Spain who had previously not had their 'papers' in order with the government, have been given a 3 month window to sort out their irregular situation. 800,000 are expected to apply for 'regularisation' by 7th May. Now the government is making it a bit easier for the 'illegals' to obtain their residence and work permits.

The initial requirement was that the people who lacked the regulatory residence and work permit should produce a certificate from their local municipal authorities showing they were registered at the City Hall, dating at least back to early August, 2004. Naturally, many 'illegals' had feared any contact with the authorities and had not been in touch with the City Hall. Thus many had not registered. Now the government has changed the requirement such that alternative papers demonstrating residence in Spain at the same date will validate their claim to having been here for sufficient time. However, all new alternative documentation must have been issued by the 'public administration', leading to fears that the alternative papers will also be hard to come by. Employers of the 'illegals' are also being encouraged to come forward with the irregular situation and help their employees get their 'papers' and social security membership.

Behind the government move is a belief that in fact the new workers are useful to the economy and that the registration of them will help all parties. The so called 'Black Economy' should thus be reduced in size and more will be properly insured against industrial accidents, unemployment and other risks. The threat for those who continue to be unregistered after the end of the special regulation has closed is great, as is also the punishment for employers. it remains to be seen if things work out that way.