Spain’s lower house of parliament has backed a bill that could grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Western Saharans.
Lawmakers approved the proposal by 168 votes to 31. Another 145 lawmakers abstained.
However, the bill has not yet become law. It must now go to the Senate.
Who could receive Spanish citizenship?
The proposal covers Sahrawis born before September 29, 1977.
Their children could also qualify for Spanish nationality through naturalisation.
Importantly, applicants would not need to have lived in Spain.
The exact number of people who could benefit remains unclear.
However, Sahrawi groups estimate that between 70,000 and 120,000 people could qualify.
Spain’s colonial history in Western Sahara
Western Sahara was under Spanish colonial rule until 1975.
Spain later ended its administration of the territory under agreements with Morocco and Mauritania.
Today, Morocco controls most of Western Sahara and claims sovereignty over the territory.
Meanwhile, the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks an independent Sahrawi state.
Many Sahrawis live in refugee camps near Tindouf in western Algeria. Others live in Western Sahara or abroad.
Citizenship bill divides Spanish parties
Spain’s ruling Socialist Party supported the proposal.
Its junior coalition partner, Sumar, also backed the bill.
However, the conservative People’s Party abstained. Vox voted against the proposal.
Tesh Sidi, a Sumar lawmaker of Sahrawi origin, said the legislation was intended to restore Spanish nationality to Sahrawis who once held Spanish identity documents.
Bill now heads to Senate
The proposal will now move to Spain’s Senate.
Lawmakers there are expected to consider possible amendments.
After that, the legislation is expected to return to the lower house for final approval.
Therefore, eligible Sahrawis cannot yet obtain citizenship under the proposal.
The parliamentary vote marks an important step, but further approval is still required before the measure can become law.