Spain's lower house of parliament has backed a bill to grant citizenship to Western Saharans born before 1977, a move that now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
Key facts
- Spain's Parliament has backed a bill granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before 1977.
- The measure could affect tens of thousands of Sahrawis.
- The bill now moves to the Spanish Senate after lower house approval.
- Advocates described the development as 'a historic day', according to Al Jazeera.
- The vote comes amid tense relations between Spain and Morocco following the Ceuta crossing.
Spain’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill that would grant citizenship to Western Saharans, or Sahrawis, born before 1977, according to Al Jazeera. The measure now advances to the Spanish Senate for further consideration.
The bill could affect tens of thousands of Sahrawis who were born before the cutoff date, Al Jazeera reported. Approval by the lower house marks a significant step forward for legislation that supporters have long sought.
Al Jazeera described the lower house’s backing as bringing Spain ‘closer to citizenship for Western Saharans’, with advocates characterising the moment as ‘a historic day’.
The year 1977 is central to the bill’s eligibility criteria, setting the date before which a Sahrawi must have been born to qualify for Spanish citizenship under the proposed legislation.
The development comes amid tense relations between Spain and Morocco, following the Ceuta crossing, according to Al Jazeera. The regional context adds a diplomatic dimension to the parliamentary decision.
For the bill to become law, it will need to pass through the Senate. The lower house vote represents an intermediate but crucial stage in the legislative process.
Why it matters
The bill could offer Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis, potentially reshaping their legal status and rights. Because it unfolds against a backdrop of strained Spain-Morocco relations, the outcome carries diplomatic as well as humanitarian significance.
Frequently asked questions
Who would be eligible for citizenship under the bill?
According to Al Jazeera, the bill would grant citizenship to Western Saharans, or Sahrawis, born before 1977. It could affect tens of thousands of people.
Has the bill become law yet?
No. Al Jazeera reports the bill has been approved by Spain's lower house and now goes to the Spanish Senate for further consideration.
What is the wider political context of the vote?
Al Jazeera notes the vote comes amid tense relations between Spain and Morocco following the Ceuta crossing.