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
- Instrument of Ratification of the Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the International Solar Alliance, signed in Marrakech on November 15, 2016. Link: BOE
- Provisional Application of the Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization regarding the IV World Forum against Racism and Discrimination, Barcelona, Spain, from December 9 to 11, 2024, signed in Paris on December 5, 2024. Link: BOE
- Entry into Force of the Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization regarding the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, to be held from April 8 to 12 in Barcelona, Spain, signed in Paris on April 4, 2024. Link: BOE.
News of Interest
- Processing Times for Immigration Procedures – CORA Report (December 2024). The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration has published an update on the processing times for immigration procedures corresponding to December 2024. The analysis includes data on renewal applications (including residence, family reunification, residence and work, fixed-term duration, exceptions to work authorization, and work permits) and long-term residence, detailing the provinces with the longest delays and the most expedited procedures. Link: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. Article link: ARC Legal.
- Foreign Worker Affiliation – December 2024. The Spanish Social Security system closed December with 2,927,598 foreign-affiliated workers, adjusted for seasonality, after adding 16,536 new workers. Since December 2019, foreign employment has grown by 35.6%, reaching historic figures that represent 13.7% of Spain’s total workforce. In unadjusted terms, foreign affiliation increased by 212,042 people in 2024, with Morocco, Romania, and Colombia being the most common nationalities. Notably, the number of Ukrainian affiliates has risen by 53.1% since 2022, most of whom are employed under the General Scheme. Leading sectors: Hospitality (27.8%), Agriculture (24.6%), and Construction (21.5%), with notable growth in high-value sectors such as finance (+9.5%). Link: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
- European Commission – Initial Humanitarian Aid Budget for 2025. With over 300 million people expected to need humanitarian aid in 2025, the EU has announced an initial budget of €1.9 billion, distributed as follows: Middle East & North Africa: €375 million for the Middle East (including Gaza) and €95 million for North Africa and Yemen. Ukraine & Moldova: €140 million for Ukraine and an additional €8 million for Moldova. Africa: €510 million allocated to regions such as the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and the Horn of Africa. Latin America & the Caribbean: €113 million for crises in Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, and violence in Central America, Mexico, and Ecuador. Asia & the Pacific: €182 million for crises in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, plus €35 million for Southern Africa and €5 million for the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Additional funds: €295 million for unforeseen emergencies and €110 million for horizontal projects and policy initiatives. Link: European Commission.
- European Commission – Humanitarian Aid for Gaza. The European Commission has announced a new €120 million aid package for Gaza, bringing the EU’s total humanitarian assistance to over €450 million since 2023. The aid includes food, medical care, water and sanitation, shelter, and protection for vulnerable populations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that despite the ceasefire agreement and hostage release, the humanitarian situation remains critical. Link: European Commission.
- European Commission – Humanitarian Aid for Syria. The European Commission will allocate €235 million in 2025 to support Syrians within the country and in neighboring nations. This funding will cover food assistance, medical aid, education, shelters, and access to drinking water, among other necessities. Link: European Commission.
- Spanish Ambassadors Abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the list of Spanish ambassadors in foreign missions, including the latest appointments and dismissals. Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation.
- Council of Ministers. Summary of key agreements reached by the Council of Ministers during its session on January 21, 2025. Link: Council of Ministers.
- OAR – Temporary Protection Resolutions (December 2024, by Region/Province). The Office of Asylum and Refuge (OAR) has published December 2024 data on temporary protection resolutionsissued by Autonomous Communities and Provinces. A total of 2,331 temporary protection decisions were granted, with the highest numbers in: Valencia: 732; Catalonia: 472; Madrid: 533 Link: OAR.
- OAR – International Protection in Spain (2024 Data). The Office of Asylum and Refuge (OAR) has released cumulative 2024 data on asylum applications and resolutions. Total applications: 167,366; Decisions issued: 6,355 granted refugee status, 11,453 granted subsidiary protection, 33,535 granted protection for humanitarian reasons, 38,686 denied and 6,072 cases closed. Link: OAR.
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.