The Spanish government’s extraordinary regularisation programme for foreign residents affected by last year’s devastating DANA floods was hailed as a model of ‘humanitarian pragmatism’ when it launched in February. By 8 November 2025, roughly 22,000 of an estimated 26,000 eligible migrants had obtained a one-year residence and work permit. But NGOs warn that many of those beneficiaries—and at least 14,000 who never qualified—are now at risk of falling back into irregularity.
A Cadena SER investigation finds that the main stumbling block is proof of legal employment. To renew the special permit in 2026, holders must show either three months’ social-security contributions or registration as a job-seeker. In flood-hit towns where reconstruction has been slow, formal contracts are scarce and landlords often refuse to provide empadronamiento (residency registration), a prerequisite for signing an employment contract.
Yusset, a Venezuelan cleaner in Alzira, typifies the dilemma. “I’m working two part-time jobs paid in cash because the bar owner won’t put me on the payroll—it’s too expensive,” she says. Without payslips she cannot accrue the 90 days of contributions needed for renewal and fears losing the legal status she gained only six months ago.
![Post-DANA Regularisation Hits Roadblocks for Thousands of Migrants in Spain]()
The Ministry of Inclusion has responded by allowing job-seeker registration to substitute for actual contributions and by urging municipalities to accept alternative proof of residence, such as utility bills. Yet advocacy groups like Oxfam Intermón argue that the deadline should be extended and the contribution requirement waived altogether given the exceptional circumstances.
For employers, the situation creates compliance risks. Hiring a DANA-permit holder without registering them may lead to hefty fines once labour inspectors compare payroll records against renewal lists. HR departments in construction, hospitality and agriculture—sectors that relied heavily on the temporary workforce—are advised to audit contracts and ensure timely social-security enrolment.
The episode illustrates a broader lesson for corporate mobility: ad-hoc humanitarian visas solve an immediate crisis but need follow-through. Companies operating in Spain’s east coast should liaise with local authorities to smooth renewal hurdles and retain much-needed workers legally.
A Cadena SER investigation finds that the main stumbling block is proof of legal employment. To renew the special permit in 2026, holders must show either three months’ social-security contributions or registration as a job-seeker. In flood-hit towns where reconstruction has been slow, formal contracts are scarce and landlords often refuse to provide empadronamiento (residency registration), a prerequisite for signing an employment contract.
Yusset, a Venezuelan cleaner in Alzira, typifies the dilemma. “I’m working two part-time jobs paid in cash because the bar owner won’t put me on the payroll—it’s too expensive,” she says. Without payslips she cannot accrue the 90 days of contributions needed for renewal and fears losing the legal status she gained only six months ago.
The Ministry of Inclusion has responded by allowing job-seeker registration to substitute for actual contributions and by urging municipalities to accept alternative proof of residence, such as utility bills. Yet advocacy groups like Oxfam Intermón argue that the deadline should be extended and the contribution requirement waived altogether given the exceptional circumstances.
For employers, the situation creates compliance risks. Hiring a DANA-permit holder without registering them may lead to hefty fines once labour inspectors compare payroll records against renewal lists. HR departments in construction, hospitality and agriculture—sectors that relied heavily on the temporary workforce—are advised to audit contracts and ensure timely social-security enrolment.
The episode illustrates a broader lesson for corporate mobility: ad-hoc humanitarian visas solve an immediate crisis but need follow-through. Companies operating in Spain’s east coast should liaise with local authorities to smooth renewal hurdles and retain much-needed workers legally.
