Spain’s Proposed Immigration Overhaul: A Look at the Points-Based Visa and Stricter Rules
Spain’s approach to immigration could see significant changes under a proposed policy that emphasizes a points-based visa system and tougher measures for those who commit crimes. This plan, put forth by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Partido Popular, aims to bring more order to migration by aligning entry with Spain’s labor needs and cultural integration. The proposed changes focus on stricter criteria for legal entry, residence, and citizenship, with a strong emphasis on public order and border control.
Expulsion for Criminal Conduct
A central element of the proposed immigration policy is the swift expulsion of foreign nationals who engage in criminal activities. The plan suggests that individuals committing crimes would face immediate consequences, potentially being sent back to their country of origin or facing imprisonment. This measure is presented as a way to ensure public safety and maintain order within the country. The party’s stance is clear: those who come to Spain with the intent to commit crimes will be met with firm enforcement at the border or within the justice system.
The Points-Based Visa System
The proposed “visado por puntos,” or points-based visa, is designed to prioritize applicants who can fill specific labor shortages in Spain. This system would award points based on factors such as an applicant’s profession, skills, and whether they work in sectors experiencing a deficit of workers. Beyond employment, the plan also considers an applicant’s knowledge of Spanish culture and their country’s cooperation with Spain’s migration policies. This approach aims to create a more selective immigration process, directing individuals towards jobs where they are most needed and ensuring a better fit with Spanish society.
The points-based visa would be temporary and directly linked to an employment contract. If a migrant loses their job, the proposal indicates they would be required to leave Spain. This connection between legal status and continued employment is a key feature, ensuring that migrants are actively contributing to the labor market. This system moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach to work-related migration, instead favoring a targeted selection based on economic and societal needs.
Stricter Rules for Nationality and Residency
Beyond entry and temporary work, the proposed policy also includes more stringent requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality and long-term residency. To become a citizen, applicants would need to demonstrate a B2 level of Spanish language proficiency. Additionally, a more rigorous test covering institutional, legal, cultural, and historical knowledge would be required. These changes aim to raise the bar for citizenship, ensuring that those who become Spanish citizens have a deep understanding of the country’s foundations and societal norms.
Long-term residency would also be more closely tied to continued employment. The proposal suggests that maintaining permanent residency status could depend on having an ongoing employment contract. This reinforces the idea that legal status in Spain is linked to active participation in the workforce and contribution to the economy.
Age Verification and Border Control
Another aspect of the proposed reforms targets the process of age verification for migrants who claim to be minors. The plan calls for a faster assessment, with a goal of resolving age determination within 72 hours. If these assessments indicate that an individual is an adult, the proposal includes measures for expulsion and potential criminal penalties for fraudulent claims. This aims to streamline administrative processes while also treating disputed age claims within a law-enforcement framework.
Enhanced border enforcement is also a significant part of the proposed agenda. This includes increasing police presence at Spain’s borders and implementing tougher controls on irregular arrivals. This focus on border security aligns with the broader objective of managing migration flows more effectively and asserting state control over who enters the country.
A Model for Migration Policy
The proposed immigration policy draws inspiration from other European countries, with praise for Greece’s migration approach as a model that is “fair, austere and humanitarian.” This suggests a preference for stricter border controls, more regulated entry processes, and clearly defined conditions for long-term stays. The overall framework aims to create a system that is perceived as orderly and controlled, balancing humanitarian concerns with national interests and public safety. The emphasis is on a state-led approach that prioritizes compliance, employment, and national security.
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