Spain is preparing to implement a program to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, aiming to stimulate economic growth by integrating them into the formal workforce. This initiative, announced earlier this year, has faced criticism from far-right leaders but is seen by the Socialist-led government as essential for addressing labor shortages in an aging population. In the first month alone, the program received 549,596 applications, surpassing initial expectations, with 91,505 temporary work permits reportedly granted. Secretary of State for Migration Pilar Cancela emphasized the need for 2.4 million additional contributors to the social security system over the next decade. The government plans to collaborate with business sectors such as construction and tourism to facilitate job placements. However, concerns linger about the potential impact on the informal labor market, as highlighted by a previous regularization program in 2005 that resulted in job losses. To mitigate these issues, the Migration Ministry intends to enhance labor inspections and conduct surveys to better understand the skills of newly regularized migrants. Cancela noted that this initiative represents a significant opportunity to harness the abilities of those already contributing to the economy.