Asylum Requests from Colombians and Peruvians in Spain Drop Sharply following New Immigration Regulations
Madrid – Asylum applications from Colombians and Peruvians in Spain have experienced a dramatic decline in recent months, coinciding with the implementation of new immigration regulations aimed at streamlining legal pathways to residency. While overall asylum requests have increased due to rises from countries like Somalia and Mali, the number of applications from these two South American nations has fallen considerably, signaling a shift in migratory patterns.
The Spanish government attributes the change to the success of the new rules in encouraging migrants to pursue regular residency permits rather than asylum claims. Prior to the reforms, Spain saw a surge in asylum applications, many considered economic migrants exploiting the system. The recent data suggests the updated regulations are redirecting individuals towards established legal channels,but also raises questions about whether genuine asylum seekers from Colombia and Peru are being discouraged or facing increased barriers.
Data reveals a stark contrast in overall trends.While applications from Somalia have more than quadrupled – rising from 144 to 626 – and those from Mali increased by 72.01% due to escalating violence in the Sahel region, the number of asylum requests from Colombians and Peruvians has plummeted. The government reports a nearly 50% increase in regular residency applications, jumping from 495,000 before the reform to 724,000 by the end of October.
Officials defend the new regulation, stating it is successfully redirecting migratory flows towards legal channels, specifically initial, renewal, and long-term residence authorizations.This shift comes as Spain grapples with managing migration flows and addressing concerns about the strain on its asylum system.
