Spain Ends Humanitarian Residency Permits for Venezuelans Amid EU Pact Changes

Spain is set to discontinue the issuance and renewal of temporary residency permits based on humanitarian grounds, a policy change effective from June 12, 2026. This decision is part of Spain's implementation of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, as detailed in an informational note from the Ministry of the Interior.

The Ministry clarified that Spain will no longer recognize or renew temporary residency statuses granted for humanitarian protection as it has done previously. Consequently, individuals currently holding such permits will be unable to renew them or apply for family reunification. This shift significantly impacts Venezuelan citizens, who have largely benefited from this special permit since 2018, with roughly 240,000 individuals regularizing their status.

Spain is also introducing a new procedure for international protection, effective June 12. This process includes a maximum 12-week resolution period for migrants arriving via precarious means or intercepted during irregular entry attempts. During this time, applicants will be held in designated facilities without authorization to enter Spanish territory. Asylum denials will result in return and entry refusal. The government emphasizes a rights-respecting approach, including legal aid and UNHCR involvement, alongside an accelerated procedure for applicants from countries with low recognition rates in the EU.