The Spanish parliament has moved to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born during the colonial era, offering a path to nationality for over 100,000 people.
In a significant move toward rectifying historical grievances, the Spanish lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly voted to grant citizenship to Western Saharans who were born in the territory during the period of Spanish colonial rule. This legislative advancement represents a long-awaited victory for thousands of individuals who have lived in Spain for decades while navigating the legal limbo of being classified as stateless. For many, this decision marks the restoration of a national identity that was effectively stripped away when Spain relinquished control of the North African territory in 1976.
The bill, which now moves to the Senate for final approval, aims to address the status of approximately 110,000 Sahrawis who could eventually benefit from the new regulations. Supporters of the measure, including Tesh Sidi of the Sumar coalition—the first parliamentarian of Sahrawi descent—have characterized the vote as a necessary act of restoration. cknowledging the enduring historical and cultural ties between Spain and the population of its former colony.
Under the proposed legislation, the process for acquiring citizenship will be significantly expedited for eligible Sahrawis. Rather than adhering to the standard 10-year residency requirement typically imposed on foreign nationals, those covered ugal, the Philippines, and various Latin American countries. This streamlined path is expected to provide newfound stability for people like Mohamed Mohamedna, who has lived in Spain for over two decades without a recognized state.
The eligibility criteria require applicants to provide documentation proving their connection to the era of Spanish rule. Acceptable evidence includes historical records such as driver’s licenses, pension receipts, or registration documents from United Nations rolls intended for a self-determination referendum that never materialized. The law also includes provisions for the descendants of these individuals, granting children of successful applicants a five-year window to seek citizenship after their parents have been officially registered. The implementation phase will span three to four years, offering a structured framework for the transition.
The move to grant citizenship arrives at a delicate moment for Spain’s foreign policy, particularly concerning its relationship with Morocco. The two nations a complex history characterized the Spanish government has attempted to manage the bill carefully—even debating the terminology used to describe the affected population to avoid unnecessary friction with Rabat—the initiative remains a point of intense geopolitical scrutiny. Analysts suggest that the decision reflects a shift in internal priorities, even as the government maintains a cautious stance on its external diplomatic obligations.
Historical context remains central to the discourse, as Western Sahara continues to be classified ocated for a referendum on the territory's independence, the current administration under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has moved toward supporting Moroccan autonomy proposals. This shift has been influenced Spanish enclaves like Ceuta. Despite these challenges, the citizenship bill is being framed as an internal human rights initiative aimed at correcting the status of individuals who have long contributed to Spanish society while remaining outside the legal framework of statehood.