Spain’s government, led by Pedro Sánchez, has approved a plan to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants.

The proposal offers one-year renewable residence permits to eligible migrants who meet residency and background requirements, aiming to integrate them into the workforce.

Sánchez described the move as both a moral decision and an economic necessity, citing Spain’s aging population and labor needs.

The opposition People’s Party has criticized the plan, arguing it could encourage more illegal migration, while the Catholic Church has expressed support, the BBC has reported.

The policy follows previous migrant regularization efforts in Spain and comes as other European countries tighten immigration controls.