Welcome to Extranjería Legal, a weekly newsletter bringing you the latest legislative updates and news on Immigration Law, the European Union, and International Protection.
Legislative Updates, International Agreements, and Other Provisions
- Regulation (EU) 2025/11 of the European Parliament and the Council, dated December 19, 2024, amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 regarding Vanuatu.
The European Union has reinstated the visa requirement for nationals of Vanuatu due to risks arising from its citizenship-by-investment programs, which allow third-country nationals visa-free access to the EU. Despite dialogues and proposed reforms from Vanuatu, the lack of effective controls and cooperation led to this measure, effective December 19, 2024.
Link: Official Journal of the European Union. - Announcement on the Entry into Force of the Interim Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Chile.
The agreement, signed on December 13, 2023, in Brussels, will take effect on February 1, 2025, marking a significant step in trade relations between the two parties.
Link: Official Journal of the European Union.
News of Interest
- Council of Ministers.
Summary of the main agreements reached by the Council of Ministers on January 14.
Link: Council of Ministers. - European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) – Pakistan.
The EUAA has published its first country focus report on Pakistan, analyzing key issues such as security conditions, human rights, and internal displacement to support asylum decision-making in the EU. This report aims to provide detailed and updated information for Member States.
Link: EUAA. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs – DICIREG.
The new digital Civil Registry platform, DICIREG, is now operational in 35 Consular Offices and offers services to nearly 3 million Spanish citizens abroad. This system modernizes the management of civil procedures, streamlining processes and ensuring greater efficiency.
Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Foreign Policy 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation has published the “2024 Foreign Policy Summary.” This document outlines Spain’s international activities and priorities for 2024, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy, sustainable development cooperation, and the promotion of human rights. It also emphasizes relations with Africa, Asia, and the Pacific and active participation in international organizations like the EU and the UN. The report addresses Spain’s feminist foreign policy and its fight against misinformation.
Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. - Spanish Ambassadors Abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the list of Spanish ambassadors serving abroad with the latest appointments and dismissals.
Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. - Diplomatic Missions Represented in Spain (Embassies).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the list of representatives from diplomatic missions located in Spain.
Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. - Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Cooperation – 2024 Balance.
Minister Elma Saiz presented the State Plan for Voluntary Return of Spaniards Abroad, which includes Return Offices to assist the reintegration of more than 3 million Spaniards residing abroad. Key highlights include the expansion of the catalog of hard-to-fill occupations and a new labor mobility strategy for foreign integration in the labor market. Objectives for 2025 include the Integration and Intercultural Cohesion Plan, a Social Impact Fund to finance 20 projects worth €150 million, and consolidating inclusive policies with regional governments. Saiz also celebrated the 2024 record of 21.3 million Social Security contributors, improvements in job quality, a temporary employment rate reduction to 12.8%, and reforms to the Immigration Regulation to reduce procedures and timelines while enhancing protection for migrant workers.
Link: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Cooperation. - European Union – Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine and Moldova.
The European Commission announced a new funding package of €148 million to support humanitarian aid in Ukraine and Moldova, bringing the total allocated since the conflict began to over €1.1 billion. In Ukraine, €140 million will go toward emergency assistance such as food, water, shelters, healthcare, and winter protection, focusing on the hardest-hit eastern and southern regions. In Moldova, €8 million will support Ukrainian refugees and host communities, prioritizing cash assistance, essential services, and psychosocial support.
Link: European Commission. - Cyprus – Schengen Area 2025.
President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that Cyprus will meet the technical requirements to join the Schengen Area by the end of the year. This accession could boost tourism and investment but presents challenges, including the status of the Green Line dividing the island since 1974. The European Commission is collaborating with Cyprus to accelerate measures, including border management and visa processes.
Link: Politico.
If you want to stay updated on all the news in the sector, you can follow the newsletter on our LinkedIn account and receive alerts for every publication.