The passage of the Spain Western Sahara nationality law marks a historical shift in diplomatic and civil regulations regarding the former Spanish territory. The Spanish Congress approved legislation allowing Saharawis born before September 29, 1977, alongside their first-degree descendants, to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Specifically, beneficiaries do not require prior legal residency in Spain to initiate the application process. Because Sumar coalition partners spearheaded the initiative, parliamentary approval addresses long-standing civil demands from Saharawi representatives. Consequently, international observers monitor how this legislative milestone impacts bilateral relations between Madrid and Rabat.
Applicants must submit valid documentation confirming their origin to obtain citizenship status under the new law. For this reason, official identification cards, UN-authenticated census records, birth certificates, or medical documents serve as acceptable proof.
In fact, primary beneficiaries have a three-year window following publication in the Official State Gazette to submit applications. Meanwhile, first-degree descendants maintain a five-year application window after parental civil registration. Therefore, Saharawi advocacy groups estimate that between 80,000 and 120,000 individuals could qualify for legal status.
The legislative decision introduces new dynamics into Spanish-Moroccan diplomatic relations. Indeed, Morocco annexed Western Sahara following the withdrawal of Spanish forces in 1976 and maintains territorial control over the region.
Furthermore, the voting outcome coincided with ongoing parliamentary debates regarding recent migratory events in Ceuta and regional intelligence disclosures. While political parties debated the bill’s broader scope, lawmaker Tesh Sidi emphasized its role in correcting historical administrative delays. As a result, the legislation advances to the Senate for final enactment procedures.
Reference
Euronews Español. (2026, September 10). Última hora. España aprueba nacionalizar a miles de ciudadanos del Sáhara Occidental ocupado por Marruecos. Euronews. https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/09/10/espana-nacionalizar-ciudadanos-sahara-occidental-ocupado-marruecos