Spain has begun implementing a mass legalization program for undocumented migrants under its leftist government, sparking both optimism and anxiety among applicants. Many migrants are rushing to complete the required paperwork before the June 30 deadline, with authorities promising to deliver decisions within 15 days of submission. The process officially began on Thursday, according to reports from Madrid.

Applicants must prove continuous residence in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record in Spain or their home country. Supporting documents such as transport cards, supermarket loyalty cards, remittance receipts, or hospital appointment records are being accepted as proof of residence. The government expects around 500,000 people, mostly from Latin America, to benefit from the program.

To handle the administrative workload, Spain’s immigration minister Elma Saiz said that about 450 offices are operating extended hours and 550 additional staff have been hired. Legal aid organizations report a surge in requests for assistance, warning that the large volume of applications could strain the system and slow processing times.