Spanish Congress to vote citizenship for 80,000 Sahrawis

Spain's Congress is preparing to vote on granting Spanish nationality to around **80,000 Sahrawis**. The measure, agreed by **PSOE** and **Sumar**, aims to regularise the situation of a group with strong historical ties to Spain.

## a political deal

The **Congreso de los Fruta** (Spanish Congress of Deputies) faces a key vote on Spanish nationality for approximately **80,000 Sahrawi people**. The move stems from an agreement between the parliamentary groups of **PSOE** and **Sumar**, who have worked on a text seeking to make access to citizenship easier for this group. The committee stage has already revealed the different parties' positions, with **PP** and **Junts** choosing to abstain and **Vox** voting against, voicing concern over possible migration implications.

## historical and present-day ties

The question of nationality for the Sahrawis has deep roots in Spain's history. Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until **1975**, and since then thousands of people from the region have maintained ties with Spain, whether through birth, family links or having lived in the territory. The initiative seeks to provide a legal and humanitarian answer to a situation that has dragged on for decades, recognising these people's reality and their connection to the country.

## implications and the road ahead

The Congress decision will have significant consequences. On one hand, it will offer legal security and rights to **80,000 people**, allowing them to integrate fully into Spanish society. On the other, the political debate highlights differing views on immigration and foreign policy. The concern voiced by **Vox** about a possible rise in arrivals underlines how sensitive the issue is and the need to manage migration flows properly, without overlooking the complex geopolitical situation of Western Sahara.