Earlier this year, Spain’s socialist-led coalition government decided to grant amnesty to 500,000 illegal immigrants and asylum seekers – a figure that now appears may reach closer to 800,000. As a result of the amnesty, illegal migrants are now flocking to embassies in riot-like scenes.

It was in January that the government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, approved a decree granting hundreds of thousands of people with “irregular status” the right to stay. Sánchez has described the decision as both “an act of justice” and a necessary measure for the country.

The plan is for those covered by the measure to receive a one-year residence permit with the possibility of extension. In order to be eligible, applicants must show that they have already been in the country for at least five months and have no criminal record. Applications can be submitted from April 16 to the end of June. The decision has faced fierce criticism both nationally and internationally.

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The country’s legalization process for migrants has been ongoing since last Monday. During this time, large crowds have formed outside more than 400 official processing centers across the country – including the Gambian embassy in Madrid. According to reports, some migrants have waited in line for hours to have their documents stamped.

In Madrid, many spent the entire night outside the building but were later informed that all available appointments were already fully booked. The situation then became chaotic when some attempted to climb over the embassy fence. Panic broke out and police had to intervene.

Increased Pressure

Meanwhile, officials are raising alarms about increased pressure on public services. In Seville, unions warn that “extraordinary pressure” has reduced the quality of service and increased tension between staff and the public. They are demanding more staff, improved security measures, and compensation for workers handling the growing workload. Services in the nation’s capital are under similar pressure.

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According to Jose Fernandez, Sevillian social policy spokesperson, they have gone from 1,500 daily cases to 5,500.

– I believe a hasty decision was made, maybe even intended to cause a collapse, he says.

Ten Million Foreign-born

Spain’s population of about 50 million has grown in recent years and now includes around ten million residents born abroad. There are also an estimated 840,000 illegal migrants, most of whom come from Latin America.

At a summit in Barcelona, Pedro Sánchez said that “Spain is the daughter of migration and will not become the mother of xenophobia.”

Santiago Abascal, leader of the national-conservative Vox party, accuses Sánchez of “hating Spaniards” and “accelerating an invasion.”

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