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Benidorm to Host Information Sessions on Spain’s Migrant Regularisation Plan Amid Local Government Concerns

 

Benidorm / 18april 2026

 

Benidorm City Council has announced a series of public information sessions to explain Spain’s new migrant regularisation process, as debate grows over how the policy will be implemented at local level.

 

The sessions are designed to support migrants who may be eligible under the extraordinary scheme approved by the Government of Spain, which aims to provide legal status to certain undocumented individuals already living in the country.

 

Practical Support for Residents

According to the council’s Social Welfare department, trained municipal staff will provide guidance on eligibility criteria, required documentation and how to complete the application process.

 

The sessions will take place at Benidorm Town Hall and the José Llorca Linares Social Centre over several days, with both morning and afternoon options available. Officials say additional sessions may be scheduled depending on demand.

 

Councillor for Social Welfare Ángela Zaragozí said the aim is to ensure that “people receive clear, accurate information and understand the procedures involved,” particularly given the complexity of immigration processes in Spain.

 

Political Tensions Over Implementation

However, the rollout has also exposed political divisions at local level. The governing team at Benidorm City Council has confirmed it will present a motion at an upcoming plenary session expressing opposition to how the policy has been designed and implemented by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration.

 

Local officials argue that municipalities are being asked to handle the practical impact of the scheme without sufficient funding or resources from central government.

 

In a statement, Zaragozí criticised what she described as a “transfer of responsibility” to local authorities, warning it could place additional strain on already stretched social services in a city with a large and transient population.

 

Wider Context Across Spain

The regularisation initiative forms part of Spain’s broader immigration framework, which has increasingly focused on integrating long-term undocumented residents into the formal economy.

 

Supporters argue it can improve tax revenues, labour market participation and social inclusion.

However, critics — including some local administrations — say large-scale regularisation requires stronger coordination, clearer criteria and greater financial backing to avoid overburdening frontline services.

 

Impact on Coastal Cities Like Benidorm

In high-tourism areas such as Costa Blanca, where seasonal work and international migration are closely linked, the issue is particularly sensitive.

 

Benidorm’s economy depends heavily on hospitality and tourism, sectors that often rely on migrant labour. Local authorities say this makes clear communication and proper management of the process especially important, both for workers and businesses.

 

Balancing Support and Resources

Despite its criticism of the policy’s rollout, the council has stressed that it will continue to provide support and information to anyone affected.

 

The upcoming sessions are expected to play a key role in helping residents navigate the process, while also highlighting the broader challenge facing Spain: balancing immigration policy with the realities faced by local communities.