EU Warns Spain: Migrants Regularised Under New Scheme Will Be Deported Back If They Move to Other Countries

Brussels Lays Down the Law

A Brussels official has warned that migrants granted Spanish residence under the mass regularisation scheme will be deported back to Spain if they move to other EU countries.

Speaking in the European Parliament, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Migration, responded to questions raised by the European People's Party (EPP) — which includes 22 Spanish MEPs from the People's Party, vocal opponents of the scheme.

'A National Permit Does Not Authorise Travel Within the EU'

Brunner was clear: "A national residence permit does not authorise travel within the EU, but only the right to live and work in the Member State that issued it. The EU has clear rules that must be respected."

He added: "If a person holding a national residence permit is found to be in an irregular situation elsewhere in the EU, or if that person applies for asylum in another Member State, they must return to the Member State that issued their residence permit."

Spain Will Likely Foot the Bill

The responsibility for ensuring the deportation process is carried out will lie with Spain, Brunner said. When it comes to financing the process, the cost "will be discussed between the countries" — but based on the Commissioner's warnings, Spain will likely bear the cost.

Brussels Not Officially Notified

Brunner also revealed that the EU has not received any official communication from Spain regarding the regularisation plan, and warned that it will have "consequences" for the EU as a whole.

What's the Scheme?

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a mass regularisation of 500,000 irregular migrants and asylum seekers in Spain. The initiative began on April 1 and will accept applications until June 30, granting eligible migrants a one-year work and residence permit provided they meet the criteria.

The scheme has been controversial domestically — opposed by the PP and Vox — and is now attracting scrutiny from Brussels over its wider implications for EU migration rules.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 9, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.