Spanish lawmakers advance citizenship pathway for pre-1977 Western Saharans

The short version

• Spain's lower house of Parliament approved legislation granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before September 29, 1977, as well as their children.[Al Jazeera]
• Advocates estimate between 70,000 and 120,000 people could benefit from the measure, which supporters call an effort to address colonial-era historical injustice.[Al Jazeera]
• The measure still requires formal approval from the Spanish Senate before it can be enacted into law.[Al Jazeera]

Key facts

• Spain's lower house of Parliament voted to approve a bill granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before September 29, 1977, and their children through naturalisation.[Al Jazeera]
• Sahrawi groups estimate that between 70,000 and 120,000 people could potentially benefit from the naturalisation measure.[Al Jazeera]
• The legislative measure must still receive approval from the Spanish Senate to become law.[Al Jazeera]
• Supporters framed the measure as an effort to resolve a historical injustice committed by colonial Spain.[Al Jazeera]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Spain’s Parliament backs citizenship for Western Saharans born before 1977Al Jazeera