Main theme
Developing legal frameworks
Other relevant themes
Employment
Aims
The reform aimed to reduce vulnerabilities of young migrants by seeking to prevent young people from becoming undocumented when they turn 18 and providing additional extended support.
Description
First, the reform facilitates access to residence and work permits for unaccompanied minors. This includes those who arrived as children and are between 18 and 23 years old. It also simplifies bureaucratic procedures, making it easier for these young people to obtain the necessary documentation and permits. Second, these young people can access extended support, with stays in transitional shelters until they are 21. Finally, from the age of 16, unaccompanied minors are allowed to work, which helps them gain financial independence and integrate into society.
Results/ Outcomes
While there can always be room for improvement, for example, tackling regional differences in the implementation of the law, overall, the reform which was very welcomed by Spanish civil society has had a positive impact. This is demonstrated by almost 17,000 young people obtaining residence permits within the first year.
Additionally, this law is being adapted and learned from in other contexts, such as Greece.
Further information