Spain suspends temporary humanitarian residency permits for Venezuelans with new EU pact

Spain is set to discontinue its temporary humanitarian residency permits, a measure that has benefited approximately 240,000 Venezuelan citizens since 2018. The change, effective Friday, aligns with the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The Spanish Ministry of Interior announced that these humanitarian permits will no longer be recognized or renewed. Consequently, individuals holding this status will not be able to apply for family reunification. The ministry advises affected individuals to pursue alternative residency and work authorizations.

The European Pact introduces a new border protection procedure for migrants arriving via precarious vessels or attempting irregular entry. This process has a maximum resolution period of 12 weeks. During this time, applicants will be housed in designated facilities and will not be granted entry into Spanish territory until their protection request is resolved. Denied asylum requests will result in return or denial of entry.

Spain has committed to a rights-respecting approach within this new framework, ensuring legal assistance and the involvement of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The pact also includes an accelerated review process for individuals from countries with low protection recognition rates across the EU. This common European triage system aims to enhance border control and identify vulnerabilities among third-country nationals.