The Sahrawi nationality law takes another step towards its approval after the PSOE's backing

After more than a year of paralysis, the bill that will allow Sahrawis born before August 11, 1977, and their descendants to access Spanish nationality has regained momentum. This Tuesday, the Congress Justice Committee approved the opinion on the norm, promoted by Sumar, with the support of PSOE, ERC, and EH Bildu, and with the rejection of PP and Vox.

The spokesperson for Izquierda Unida (IU) in Congress, Enrique Santiago, described the progress as "transcendental" and indicated that the intention is to enable July as an extraordinary period for the committee to vote on the bill "as soon as possible" before taking it to the plenary session.

The text has incorporated seven transactional amendments that have achieved broad consensus among the parties supporting the initiative. Among the most relevant changes is the extension of the deadline to apply for nationality, which initially set 1976 as the cut-off date, but has finally been set as August 11, 1977. This comes after a decree from August 1976 recognized Sahrawis who met certain requirements the right to opt for Spanish nationality within one year, until that date. As Spain had already abandoned the territory when that deadline expired, it was materially impossible to exercise it.

The most striking turn in the process has been that of the PSOE. The socialists voted against the consideration of the initiative in February 2025, but have ended up subscribing to several of the transactional amendments and supporting the opinion. Artemi Rallo, socialist spokesperson in the Constitutional Committee and rapporteur of the law, described this Tuesday as a "historic day after 50 years," in what he considers "an act of reparation and justice for the Sahrawi cause."

PP and Vox, outside the agreement

Sumar deputy Tesh Sidi, of Sahrawi origin, acknowledged that the PP's rejection surprised the other groups. "It was the first to support all initiatives of the Sahrawi people in this chamber," she said, and accused the party of being "kidnapped by Vox."

The norm could benefit some 50,000 people, although not all will apply for nationality nor will all be able to prove the required conditions. Among the valid documentation is the Spanish DNI, even if it is not in force, the receipt of registration in the census for the Sahara Referendum issued by the UN, the birth certificate, the family book and schooling, hospitalization or retirement pension certificates.