"There is the need to regularize over half a million workers without rights," said Spain's deputy prime minister and minister of labor, Yolanda Diaz, in a message posted on the X social media platform on September 4.

In her post, Diaz, who founded the Sumar ('Unite') left-wing platform in 2022, said the action must be taken immediately.

Citizens initiative for those living in Spain since 2021

The statement came after a one-week extension for the presentation of amendments to a citizens' legislative initiative registered at the Congress of Deputies for such a measure.

According to an April announcement on an EU website: "The Spanish parliament took the first legislative step towards approving a citizens' initiative, #RegularizaciónYa, which calls for the regularization of half a million undocumented foreigners living in Spain since before 1 November 2021."

The campaign has received 700,000 signatures and has the support of more than 900 non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Those supporting the campaign have pointed out that irregular migrants contribute in essential labor sectors, such as caring for the elderly and harvesting fruit and vegetables.

Also read: Assessing Spain's migrant work reform, two years on

Similar 'amnesty' under Zapatero government

The deputy prime minister noted in the post that a similar 'amnesty' had been launched by former prime minister, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, and that there is now "a need to do it again."

The citizens initiative was presented at the Congress during the previous legislature but later expired due to the calling of early elections.

It was then taken into consideration for the second time by the Congress of Deputies on June 13.

It was admitted to the parliamentary process with 90 percent support by representatives, including those of the center-right Popular Party.

Only the far-right party Vox voted against it. The party has previously expressed concern that a regularization program could create a "pull effect" to attract more irregular migrants.

What is regularization?

Regularization happens when the government authorizes an undocumented migrant's stay in the country in which they are already residing.

Undocumented people who live without regular residence status face exclusion and are exposed to dangers.

Regularization is intended to alleviate problems such as insecure housing, abuse or exploitation at work, poverty and barriers to education.

Many countries in Europe have introduced regularization programs or mechanisms in recent years, including Belgium, Malta, Switzerland and Ireland.

Also read: Spain's circular migration policy explained