Regularisation measures for migrants affected by the DANA
Following the devastating Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA) that hit different areas of Spain between 28 October and 4 November 2024, the government approved a package of measures aimed at regularising the situation of migrants affected by the natural disaster. The main objective of the new measures is to provide legal certainty to affected migrants, preventing their immigration status from becoming irregular due to the effects of DANA.
Key measures include the extension and renewal of long-term residence and/or work permits for those affected. It is estimated that at least 25 000 people will directly benefit from the measures.
Government launches 3rd action plan against hate crime
The Spanish Government launched the III Action Plan Against Hate Crimes for the period 2025 – 2028, an ambitious initiative with a budget of 1.4 million euros and 109 measures aimed at more effectively preventing, investigating, and combating hate crime in Spain. The plan represents Spain’s ongoing commitment to tackling hate crime using a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. By building on past experiences, fostering inter-institutional collaboration, and adapting to new challenges, it aims to create a more tolerant and cohesive society where victims are supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and the underlying causes of hatred are addressed.
Significant developments in hate speech monitoring
In a significant move to combat online hate speech, the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, through the Spanish Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), introduced the advanced monitoring system FARO, developed in collaboration with LALIGA.
FARO uses artificial intelligence to detect hate speech across 5 major digital platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X. It has significantly increased speed and accuracy in the identification of harmful content, allowing for more immediate and effective responses to issues of hate speech. Migrants in particular will be supported by the new system: in its first week of implementation, 56% of hate speech cases identified involved content directly targeting migrants.
In related developments elsewhere, NGO Accem launched a new educational tool designed to counteract discriminatory discourse in digital spaces. This initiative, developed within the framework of the European CLARA project and co-financed by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV), is part of a wider strategy to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity, particularly among younger users online. By offering educational content and workshops, the tool aims to build resilience among youth and communities against online hate, xenophobia, and racism.&
Regional quota system for minors
Significant policy reform took place to address the pressing issue of unaccompanied minor migrants in Spain. The government plans to redistribute nearly 6 000 unaccompanied children, currently concentrated in border-regions such as the Canary Islands and Ceuta, to other regions across Spain. The distribution of these children will be decided according to a set of criteria designed to ensure fair, efficient allocation of resources. This coordinated action represents a crucial measure of solidarity between Spain’s various regions.
Adjustments to recently reformed Immigration Regulation
The government introduced urgent corrective measures to fix an unintentional gap in the country’s recently reformed ‘Immigration Regulation’, whereby many people who had been living legally in Spain with temporary asylum documentation found themselves unable to access residence permits under the new system. It is estimated that approximately 12 000 people could directly benefit from the urgent measures, which include exceptional residence permits and retroactive application.
Report on discrimination in private housing
Provivienda, a leading organisation on housing rights in Spain, published an analysis of discrimination experienced by migrants seeking rental housing in Madrid and Barcelona. The report makes a series of recommendations related to legislative action, policy implementation, and societal awareness.
CEAR publishes integration policy recommendations
The Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (Comisión Española de Ayuda al Refugiado, CEAR), published a report assessing the situation of refugees in Spain and Europe. It shares 30 policy recommendations aimed at improving access to rights for and the integration of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection in Spain.
