Spain’s lower house backs citizenship bill for Western Saharans
Proposed legislation would allow Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977 and their children to seek Spanish nationality, including applicants who have never lived in Spain.
Spain’s lower house has approved proposed legislation granting Spanish nationality through naturalisation to Western Saharans born before 29 September 1977 and their children.
The bill passed by 168 votes to 31, with 145 abstentions. It now goes to the Senate, where amendments are expected before the legislation returns to the lower house for final consideration.
Applicants would not need to have lived in Spain. Sahrawi groups estimate the measure could affect between 70,000 and 120,000 people, although the number has not been independently established.
Western Sahara was under Spanish colonial administration until 1975, when Spain relinquished control under agreements with Morocco and Mauritania. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks an independent Sahrawi state.
Supporters have described the bill as addressing a historical injustice. The vote comes as relations between Madrid and Rabat remain sensitive following the reported arrival of more than 70,000 migrants in Ceuta from Morocco in July. The circumstances of the movement remain disputed, and Morocco denies facilitating or orchestrating it.
