Government moves against European trend to restrict immigration.

Spain’s left-wing government announced Tuesday that it will extend free healthcare to undocumented migrants, marking a first in recognising the right of foreign nationals without legal residency to receive medical care.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz said the policy will also cover Spanish citizens returning to the country, residents temporarily abroad, and their accompanying family members.

The measure was approved by royal decree, allowing it to bypass parliament, where Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s coalition lacks a majority.

In January, the government unveiled a separate plan to grant residency and work permits to around 500,000 undocumented migrants.

The healthcare measure applies to foreigners who arrived before December 31, 2025, have lived in Spain for at least five months, and have no criminal record.

Sanchez has argued that immigrants are needed to fill workforce gaps and offset an ageing population that threatens pensions and other state programs.

The move has faced criticism from right-wing parties, who say it may encourage illegal immigration.

CBI News reports that Spain’s approach stands in contrast to stricter policies and deportation efforts elsewhere in the European Union and the United States.

Health Minister Monica Garcia wrote on X that the plan ensures everyone’s right to healthcare “in the face of the wave of hatred.”

Spain remains one of Europe’s main entry points for migrants, along with Italy and Greece.