Spain’s government said on Tuesday it is preparing to adopt a plan to regularise undocumented migrants, a move not carried out in the country for around 20 years and one that could benefit up to 500,000 people.

According to El País, Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Minister Elma Saiz said after a cabinet meeting that applications for residence permits under the scheme would be accepted between April and June.

She said eligible applicants would be those who can prove they were in Spain before Dec. 31, 2025, have no relevant criminal record, and have lived in the country for at least five months at the time of applying.

The initiative comes as Spain faces growing challenges related to migration and labour shortages, prompting renewed political debate over integration policies.