The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has praised the Government of Spain for its progressive immigration policy aimed at regularising undocumented migrants, following high-level talks with his Spanish counterpart in Barcelona.
The meeting, held on Friday, brought together Ghana’s Minister and Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares Bueno, to discuss bilateral cooperation and migration-related issues.
During the discussions, Mr Ablakwa commended Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his government for what he described as a “flagship policy” designed to legalise and integrate approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants currently residing in Spain.
The policy, being implemented from April 16 to the end of June 2026, targets migrants who have been living in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025. It seeks to provide legal status, protect migrants’ rights, and create pathways to employment.
Mr Ablakwa noted that beyond legal recognition and job opportunities, the initiative promotes dignity, skills development, and multicultural harmony among migrant communities.
He also outlined measures being taken by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support Ghanaian nationals who may benefit from the programme. According to him, the government would assist eligible applicants in acquiring the necessary official documentation to regularise their stay in Spain.
In addition to migration matters, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas like maritime security. They also expressed readiness to expedite the signing of labour mobility agreements to facilitate structured and mutually beneficial migration between Ghana and Spain.
The meeting marks another step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries, with a shared focus on migration management and economic collaboration.
Deborah Narkie Nartey, ISD
