This week marks the beginning of the extraordinary migrant regularization process, approved by the Central Government. This procedure, which started online on April 16 and in-person on April 21, can also be completed at Social Security and Correos offices. Requirements include proving at least five months of residency in Spain before December 31, 2025, and having no criminal record.
At the entrances of Bilbao's main consulates, such as those of Morocco, Colombia, and Peru, satisfaction was evident among migrants. Isabel Gaztelumendi, a Peruvian migrant, visited the Peruvian consulate for information and expressed her excitement about the opportunity to contribute and pay taxes in the country. Having lived in Spain for over four years with her two children, she emphasized her family's desire for integration and to thrive through work.
“"I want to work, contribute, and pay my taxes here. That fills me with emotion."
Isabel stressed that migrants do not come to take anything, but to contribute. She also mentioned her Basque ancestry and noted that even those already in a regular situation view the measure positively. Janina, a recent arrival in Euskadi who cannot access the process, describes it as a "great opportunity" for Latinos.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Bilbao and Caritas Bizkaia have praised the regularization as a measure of "political, ethical, and social responsibility." In a joint statement, they called it "a decisive step towards a more just and inclusive society." However, they urged the administration to ensure the necessary resources so that the measure reaches all potential beneficiaries.
The Minister of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge for the Basque Government, Nerea Melgosa, criticized the Central Government for not considering its proposals on "language integration" (Basque) or training processes. Nevertheless, in an interview with Radio Vitoria, she stated that, although it is not the regularization desired by the Basque executive, they will collaborate with the state government. She also announced the distribution of a "draft guide" to associations to prevent "deception."
