Spanish Congress committee approves Sahrawi nationality law after year-long block

The Justice Committee of the Spanish Congress has approved a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawi people born under Spanish administration before 1977, paving the way for a final plenary vote expected on September 10, 2026. The law is estimated to affect between 80,000 and 200,000 people, reflecting a wide range of estimates from different sources Source: ABC; Source: La Vanguardia.

Key provisions

The bill grants nationality by "carta de naturaleza" to those born in Western Sahara before an unspecified date (sources differ: August 11 or September 29, 1977) and their direct descendants. Applicants must provide proof such as a Spanish ID card (even expired), UN census certificate, birth certificate, or other official documents. The application period is three years from the law's entry into force, extendable by one year Source: Lavanguardia.

Political journey

The initiative, led by Sumar, faced over a year of blockage by the PSOE, which initially voted against it in 2023. The blockage reportedly stemmed from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares' efforts to maintain good relations with Morocco Source: ABC. The breakthrough came after Sumar conceded on documentation requirements, allowing the PSOE to support the bill. In the committee vote, PSOE and its allies voted in favor; the PP and Junts abstained, while Vox opposed. Critics from the PP cited lack of "transparency" and "juridical rigor," while Vox accused the government of "giving away Spanish nationalities" Source: Infobae.

What's next

The approved dictamen will now go to the plenary, with the vote scheduled for September 10. If passed, it will then be sent to the Senate. The law seeks to address a "historical debt" to the Sahrawi people, but the differing estimates of beneficiaries underscore uncertainties about its impact .