Spain approves citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule

According to coverage from Reuters, Al Jazeera, the Financial Times, DW.com, euronews.com, Demócrata, and IMI Daily, Spain has moved closer to granting citizenship to Sahrawis born under former Spanish rule. Specifically, the Spanish parliament and lawmakers backed a citizenship law directed at Western Saharans born before 1977. Reports indicate this policy allows eligible individuals to acquire citizenship without requiring residency. Coverage notes that the measure could impact up to 200,000 Sahrawis, opening a pathway for nationality tied to historical ties with Spain. Al Jazeera describes the parliamentary action as a historic day, while Demócrata reports that the PNV holds that the Sahrawi nationality law repairs a moral debt with the people of Western Sahara.

Outlets including DW.com and euronews.com detail how Spanish lawmakers and parliament backed the legislative push. Meanwhile, the Financial Times highlights that the new citizenship law is expected to spark fresh tensions with Morocco, introducing diplomatic stakes alongside the domestic legislative development. This trend emerges from long-standing historical connections stemming from the period of Spanish rule in Western Sahara before 1977. The current legislative approval addresses questions of nationality for populations affected by that historical administration. The PNV's stance emphasizes the concept of repairing a moral debt, providing the ideological context reported by Demócrata regarding why lawmakers are advancing the measure at this time.

Coverage does not yet specify the exact timeline for final implementation or the formal operational procedures for applicants. Future reporting will likely follow the progression of the law through remaining legislative steps and monitor the diplomatic reactions from Morocco as anticipated by the Financial Times. Observers will also track how many individuals ultimately apply under the provision allowing citizenship with no residence required.