Hundreds of Pakistani Migrants Queue in Barcelona for Spain's Regularisation Programme
Hundreds of Pakistani migrants have been forming long queues outside the consulate in Barcelona as Spain initiates a significant regularisation process for undocumented immigrants. This surge follows a decree approved by the Socialist-led Spanish government, as reported by Ara, a newspaper based in Barcelona. The programme offers legal residency and work permits to approximately 500,000 individuals who have resided in the country for at least five months as of December 31, 2025.
Overwhelmed Consulate and Key Requirements
The Pakistani consulate located on Sarrià Avenue has been overwhelmed with the influx of applicants, with lines forming hours before the office opens at nine in the morning. Many migrants are seeking criminal record certificates, which serve as a crucial requirement for the new immigration programme. This documentation is essential for proving eligibility and moving forward with the application process.
Personal Stories from the Queue
Several individuals waiting in the queue shared their experiences, highlighting the personal stakes involved. Asad, who had been waiting for four hours, expressed his determination, stating, "I've been waiting for four hours, but I'll stay as long as necessary." He is queuing to obtain a document to send to his mother in Pakistan, enabling her to provide a certificate proving his status. Asad emphasised that he has no criminal record, which is one of the key eligibility requirements for the programme.
Ahmed, who arrived in Barcelona a year ago, explained in English, "I need the letter to send to my mother, so she can get a certificate and send it to me." His wife and three-year-old daughter remain in Pakistan, and completing this paperwork is vital for facilitating their reunion and allowing them to join him in Spain.
Umar, fluent in Spanish and Catalan, has been assisting others in the queues. He noted that the atmosphere can shift from calm to commotion when consulate staff distribute numbers to those waiting. Asir and Ahmed, for instance, arrived at 7:30 in the morning and received number 192 by 10:00, illustrating the lengthy wait times.
Ayman shared his urgency, saying, "I have to do this because I don't know when they're going to deport me." He came to Spain alone two years ago and has lived in various regions, including Andalusia, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Omar, a bricklayer who has been undocumented for three years, came to request a certificate granting power of attorney to facilitate the processing of other necessary paperwork.
Support and Advocacy for the Programme
Lamine Sarr, spokesperson for the initiative Regularización Ya and a member of Top Manta, commented on the rush for documents, stating it was expected. "It's the best news an undocumented person can receive. It will not only allow them to work or access decent housing, but it will also allow them to see their families again after years of working in Spain," he explained. Sarr added that life without legal papers is extremely difficult and described the path to obtaining legal status as "very complicated."
Expected Benefits and Eligibility Criteria
The decree is anticipated to benefit around 500,000 people, including more than 150,000 in Catalonia. Adults and their children will receive five-year residency permits if they meet the specified requirements. These include maintaining a clean criminal record in both Spain and their home country, ensuring that applicants adhere to legal standards and contribute positively to society.
This regularisation effort represents a significant step towards integrating undocumented immigrants into Spanish society, providing them with opportunities for stable employment, housing, and family reunification. The overwhelming response in Barcelona underscores the high demand and urgent need for such programmes among migrant communities.
