Jaén: Thousands of Migrants to Regularize Status and Access Dignified Future
The measure, approved by the Council of Ministers, will allow nearly 3,000 people in the province to obtain residence and work permits.
By Redacción La Voz de Andalucía
••3 min read
IA
Generic image of administrative documents and procedures.
The approval of an extraordinary administrative regularization process by the Council of Ministers offers new hope to thousands of migrants in Spain, with nearly 3,000 potential beneficiaries in the province of Jaén, who will be able to access residence and work permits.
This government initiative seeks to integrate people already residing in the country, allowing them to leave the informal economy and contribute fully to society. For many, like a resident who arrived from Honduras in October 2022, this measure represents the possibility of building a stable future and accessing qualified jobs with labor rights.
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"It is the door that opens to so many questions we had, so many dreams that will come true, but today that we are certain, it is a door that opens to live our dreams, hopes, goals that today we will make a reality."
The application period began on April 16. Requirements include proving uninterrupted residency in Spain for at least five months, having no criminal record, and not posing a threat to public order or security. The initial permit will be valid for one year.
According to data from the General Union of Workers (UGT), the foreign population in the province of Jaén represents approximately 4.14% of the total at the beginning of 2025, with an upward trend that contributes to local demographics. This population is concentrated in municipalities with agricultural activity, such as Sierra de Segura and Las Villas, while in the capital and Linares, percentages are lower.
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"It is a fundamental act of social and labor justice for the territory."
The demand for information and support for the process has generated long queues on Cerón Street in Jaén, at the Municipal Board of Social Affairs, where vulnerability reports are managed. Organizations such as Jaén Acoge and Cruz Roja are overwhelmed, offering assistance for preparing files and managing digital certificates. Both entities, along with Cáritas, seek to be recognized as collaborators to streamline the process and prevent the collapse of official offices.
Given the proliferation of hoaxes and misinformation, especially regarding payments for free procedures, Cruz Roja has prioritized the dissemination of accurate and updated information, organizing group sessions. The organization's Asylum lawyer highlights the "excitement" of applicants to exercise their rights, leave the informal economy, and avoid labor exploitation.
The regularization application can be submitted until June 30. The Official College of Administrative Managers of Jaén has activated a processing service through accredited professionals, warning about possible scams and recommending reliable channels. Demand in Jaén is expected to grow, and UGT calls for reinforcements in immigration offices to prevent collapse.