Spain parliament approves citizenship pathway for Western Saharans

Spain’s lower house approved a bill granting Spanish citizenship to Sahrawi refugees who have been residing in the country for at least five years, a move that has heightened diplomatic friction with Morocco. The legislation, passed with a majority of 176 votes in favor, 71 against and 28 abstentions, was championed by the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party and supported by several regional and left‑wing groups. It aims to regularise the status of thousands of Sahrawis who fled the disputed Western Sahara territory after Spain withdrew in 1975 and who have lived in Spain under temporary protection schemes.

The decision comes weeks after a high‑profile incident at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where Moroccan authorities were accused of facilitating the mass crossing of migrants, including Sahrawis, into the city. Morocco’s foreign ministry condemned the Spanish vote, describing it as an “unacceptable interference” in a matter that it considers part of its sovereign territory. Moroccan officials warned that the policy could “further strain” the already tense bilateral relationship, which has been marked by disputes over fishing rights, migration control and the status of the Western Sahara conflict.

Analysts note that the citizenship bill reflects Spain’s broader effort to address the humanitarian needs of long‑term Sahrawi residents while navigating a delicate diplomatic balance with Rabat. The legislation now moves to the Senate for final approval, and its implementation will likely be monitored closely by both European Union partners and human‑rights organisations as an indicator of Spain’s stance on the Western Sahara issue.