Spain grants nationality to nearly 200,000 Sahrawis in historic vote – with Morocco watching on nervously
200,000 PEOPLE born in Western Sahara will now be able to claim Spanish passports after lawmakers approved a law formally granting them citizenship.
The Spanish Congress passed a bill on Thursday that could provide Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis born during the country's rule over Western Sahara, as well as their descendants. The legislation, which now needs approval from the Senate, has generated heightened sensitivity amid strained relations between Spain and Morocco.
The bill's supporters argue it corrects a historic injustice by expediting the Spanish nationality process for those with Spanish ancestry or residency. Meanwhile, the far-right Vox voted against it, accusing Morocco of inciting the issue. The bill would allow eligible Sahrawis to apply within three years of its publication.
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