Spanish Citizenship: Parliament Backs Rights for Western Saharans Born Before 1977
Spain’s lower house of Parliament has approved legislation that could grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Western Saharans born while the territory was still under Spanish rule.
The bill passed on Thursday by 168 votes to 31, with 145 lawmakers abstaining. It now requires approval by the Senate before it can become law.
Under the proposed legislation, Sahrawis born before September 29, 1977, as well as their children, would be eligible to obtain Spanish nationality through naturalisation, even if they have never lived in Spain.
While the exact number of potential beneficiaries remains unclear, Sahrawi groups estimate that between 70,000 and 120,000 people could qualify. Supporters say the measure would address a historical injustice linked to Spain’s colonial administration of Western Sahara.
The parliamentary vote comes amid renewed sensitivities in Spain’s relations with Morocco, particularly over migration into the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta.
At least 70,000 migrants arrived from Morocco in July, intensifying political tensions in Madrid. Spain’s left-wing government has stopped short of directly blaming Rabat, while opposition figures have accused Morocco of using the migration surge for political leverage.
Morocco rejects Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla and claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, where it expanded its control after Spanish rule ended.
The territory remains disputed, with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeking independence and advocating the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
