SPECIAL REPORT | Philippine Embassy Expands Services as Filipinos Prepare for Spain’s Regularization Plan

Photos: PH Embassy Madrid

with Dulce Lada (Madrid), Jeona Castro (Madrid), Dennis Tanoc (Valencia)

MADRID/BARCELONA, Spain — Following Spain’s proposed regularization initiative for undocumented migrants, the Philippine Embassy has expanded consular services after a surge in passport renewals and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance applications from Filipinos preparing their documents.

Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe J. Lhuillier said the Embassy moved quickly to ensure that applicants would not be disadvantaged by documentation delays.

“The announcement of Spain’s regularization initiative has understandably generated strong interest within our community, and we consider it our responsibility to respond swiftly and clearly,” Lhuillier said.

Embassy officials noted that applications for passports and NBI clearances have risen well above normal monthly levels. Additional consular schedules have been implemented to manage the demand.

“We immediately expanded passport and NBI services to ensure that no Filipino would be disadvantaged by documentation delays,” the ambassador added.

The Embassy also emphasized that the Filipino community in Spain is widely recognized as one of the most law-abiding and well-integrated migrant groups in the country. At the same time, Lhuillier reminded Filipinos to remain cautious, as policy changes often attract illegal recruiters.

While many Filipinos welcome the possibility of regularization, uncertainty remains within the community regarding eligibility and the large number of potential applicants.

A Filipino who arrived in Spain in December 2024 from Malta said that even with complete documentation, there is still anxiety about the outcome.

“Kahit kumpleto kami ng documents — empadronamiento, hospital bills, insurance, history of transporte — natatakot pa rin kami. Hindi lang tayong mga Pilipino ang mag-aapply. Baka paunahan at pagalingan ng abogado.”

Others echoed similar concerns, fearing that if hundreds of thousands apply, competition could become intense and uncertain.

“Mostly ang naririnig ko, sana makasama sila sa ma-approve. Sa dami ng mag-aapply, hindi lang Pilipino,” one community member said.

Another concern circulating within the community involves documentation requirements, particularly whether police clearances from previous countries of residence may be required.

A long-time Filipino resident in Alicante, known in her community as “Maria Rosa,” described the initiative as hopeful but urged migrants to remain patient and rely on verified information.

“I welcome the introduction of the extraordinary amnesty program, as it offers hope — an easier and clearer path to legal status,” she said.

However, she cautioned that applicants should wait for official guidelines and continue supporting one another.

“As we wait for clearer details on eligibility and procedures, let’s stay informed through official sources and look out for one another.”

Rossel Deramas Besana, a Filipino migrant and community leader who has lived in Tenerife for 19 years, also described the initiative as encouraging but warned that the process should not be rushed.

“Napakagandang balita ito dahil magiging dokumentadong indibidwal na sila… ngunit hindi rin ito madali dahil may mga proseso pa ring kailangang sundin,” she said.

Besana expressed concern that illegal recruiters could exploit the situation.

“May pangamba ako na ito ay pwedeng magamit na pang-enganyo na pumunta dito ang iba pang Pilipino nang hindi naaayon sa legal na aspeto.”

She also reminded applicants that documentation processes take time.

“Tulad sa atin, sa pag-file ng NBI, may proseso itong sinusunod. Hindi ito kayang iproseso within 15 days lang.”

Despite the challenges, she emphasized discipline and hope within the Filipino community.

“Ngayon, maaaring makamit natin ang ating pangarap na maging maayos ang ating buhay kasama ang ating mga pamilya.”

The Embassy said it is working closely with the Migrant Workers Office and OWWA in Madrid to strengthen campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, warning that irregular migration exposes migrants to exploitation and serious risk.

“The Embassy’s role is to support our nationals responsibly and transparently,” Ambassador Lhuillier said.

“We encourage Filipinos in Spain to remain vigilant, patient, and properly informed.”