‘A historic day’: Spain moves closer to citizenship for Western Saharans

What the report says

Spain’s parliament has taken a major step toward granting citizenship to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara when it was under Spanish colonial administration, according to Al Jazeera. The lower house approved the bill in Madrid on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with 168 votes in favor and 31 against, though the measure still needs Senate approval before becoming law.

The proposal could affect more than 100,000 people, including Sahrawis who have long lacked recognized nationality, as well as some of their descendants. Under the draft rules, eligible applicants would have a limited window to apply once the law takes effect, and Sahrawis living legally in Spain could be able to seek nationality after two years of residence rather than the usual 10. Campaigners say the change is a long-awaited recognition of historic ties to Spain, while supporters in parliament described it as restoring rights taken away in the past.

The vote comes at a delicate moment in Spain’s relationship with Morocco, which claims Western Sahara and has recently faced renewed diplomatic friction with Madrid over migration and border issues. Al Jazeera reported that tensions intensified after a large crossing into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave, and that Moroccan officials rejected allegations of involvement. The issue matters because Western Sahara remains a disputed territory under UN classification, and Spain’s move could affect both nationality policy and broader regional diplomacy.

The bill is part of Spain’s broader “grandchildren law,” which has allowed some descendants of Spaniards to claim citizenship.