In a heated plenary session on 22 October 2025, Spain’s Senate passed a non-binding motion urging the government to overhaul immigration policy by introducing a points-based entry system for economic migrants and accelerating removals of those without legal status. The motion—tabled by the opposition Partido Popular (PP) and supported by Vox and Unión del Pueblo Navarro—passed with 148 votes in favour, 110 against and two abstentions.
Under the proposal, migrants would earn points for qualifications, language skills and job offers, mirroring Australia’s and Canada’s systems. It also calls for: (1) centralising immigration competences under a single federal authority; (2) reinforcing age-verification within 72 hours for unaccompanied minors; (3) tightening naturalisation criteria; and (4) implementing the forthcoming EU Return Regulation to ensure “rapid and effective” expulsions.
Government senators (PSOE) labelled the plan populist, noting that Spain already operates talent-attraction permits—such as the digital-nomad and highly-qualified-professional visas—without nationality quotas. Regional parties warned that a rigid points grid could ignore local labour shortages.
Although the motion has no immediate legal effect, it signals growing political appetite for a merit-based system and adds pressure on the minority government ahead of the 2026 budget vote. Corporate mobility teams should monitor whether any of the recommendations find their way into an upcoming Royal Decree on Spain’s Immigration Regulation, expected in early 2026. If adopted, a points framework could reshape recruitment pipelines, particularly for mid-skill roles currently filled via the roots-based (arraigo) permits.
HR advisers also note potential compliance burdens if the plan to centralise immigration competences materialises, as companies would deal with a single national portal rather than Spain’s decentralised network of provincial offices.
Under the proposal, migrants would earn points for qualifications, language skills and job offers, mirroring Australia’s and Canada’s systems. It also calls for: (1) centralising immigration competences under a single federal authority; (2) reinforcing age-verification within 72 hours for unaccompanied minors; (3) tightening naturalisation criteria; and (4) implementing the forthcoming EU Return Regulation to ensure “rapid and effective” expulsions.
Government senators (PSOE) labelled the plan populist, noting that Spain already operates talent-attraction permits—such as the digital-nomad and highly-qualified-professional visas—without nationality quotas. Regional parties warned that a rigid points grid could ignore local labour shortages.
Although the motion has no immediate legal effect, it signals growing political appetite for a merit-based system and adds pressure on the minority government ahead of the 2026 budget vote. Corporate mobility teams should monitor whether any of the recommendations find their way into an upcoming Royal Decree on Spain’s Immigration Regulation, expected in early 2026. If adopted, a points framework could reshape recruitment pipelines, particularly for mid-skill roles currently filled via the roots-based (arraigo) permits.
HR advisers also note potential compliance burdens if the plan to centralise immigration competences materialises, as companies would deal with a single national portal rather than Spain’s decentralised network of provincial offices.
