In this regard, as the Europa Press agency reports, 160 document reception points needed for legalization will be opened throughout Spain. Unlike other bureaucratic institutions, they will work until late evening.
Under the terms of the new regulation to the Aliens Act, which came into force last Monday, any immigrant who registered their residence in Spain before August 8, 2003, and has a six-month work contract, and can also provide a certificate of no criminal record, is entitled to legalization. In certain cases, when the immigrant works in the household sector or is employed in seasonal agricultural work, they must have a contract for a period of three months.
The employer must take upon himself all procedures related to the immigrant's legalization. If, after the expiry of the three-month period, he continues to illegally use immigrants, he faces a fine of at least 60,000 euros for each one.
In connection with the start of the legalization process, which is designed for three months, the operation of the Schengen Agreements on Spain's borders has been temporarily suspended. As RIA Novosti reports, this is because the authorities fear a large influx of illegal immigrants.
Since 1991, this is already the seventh 'amnesty' for foreign labor, which Spain desperately needs. Before this, 600,000 people received the right to legalize their status. In total, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, almost two million foreigners have been legalized in Spain.
All parties in Spain, except the conservative one, supported this initiative of the socialist government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Conservatives claim that 'there will not be enough room for everyone in Spain.' Socialists reply that due to the declining birth rate, the country cannot rely on its native population, and Spain is already experiencing a shortage of workers for low-skilled and heavy jobs. Moreover, the legalization process is designed to bring foreign workers out of the 'shadow' sector of the economy, increase tax collection and contributions to the social security system.
_