Concerns are being raised by the Policia Nacional and other bodies about Spain’s bold decision to regularise 500,000 undocumented migrants.
The force has warned of a ‘significant increase’ in reports of lost passports filed by undocumented migrants, which suddenly spiked around the time Pedro Sanchez announced the policy.
According to figures obtained by 20Minutos, lost passport claims filed by Pakistani nationals rose by 866.67% between January 15 and February 6, compared with the same period last year.
Reports filed by Algerian nationals increased by 356.25%, followed by Moroccans (114%) and Colombians (35%).
The data was highlighted in an internal document circulated by the Policia Nacional, specifically by its General Commission for Immigration and Borders.
Attempt to prove presence in Spain?
The internal memo suggests that, in some cases, the reporting of lost or stolen passports ‘could be aimed at demonstrating presence in Spanish territory during the period covered by the extraordinary regularisation process’.
Under the Government’s scheme, applicants must prove they were living in Spain before December 31, 2025 and that they have resided in the country for at least five months.
Police sources told 20minutos that filing a passport loss report can be used as a way to create documentary evidence of presence in Spain.
‘If you report that you lost your passport five months ago – even if that’s not true – that document can serve to show you’ve been living in Spain for five months,’ one source explained.
Identity checks reveal prior records
The police document states that, following ‘full identification of the foreign national’, officers have discovered that some complainants had criminal or police records either in Spain or abroad.
In other instances, authorities found that the individual was using a different identity from the one reported, or had outstanding administrative resolutions related to immigration still in force.
In response to the spike in reports, the General Commission for Immigration and Borders has instructed regional police headquarters to carry out thorough identity verification when undocumented foreign nationals file passport loss complaints.
While officers must accept and register the complaint, they are also required to fully identify the individual and check their administrative status in Spain.
Criticism over criminal record requirements
Police unions and Guardia Civil associations have also criticised the regularisation framework, arguing that the Government does not require an official criminal record certificate as a strict precondition.
Under the decree-law, if an applicant requests a criminal record certificate from their country of origin but does not receive a response within one month, they may submit a sworn declaration stating they have no criminal record.
Union representatives have warned that such declarations offer limited guarantees, arguing that delayed responses from foreign administrations are common and may not provide sufficient safeguards.
The National Police investigation and monitoring of passport loss reports remain ongoing.
