RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
Spain’s lower house of parliament has approved legislation granting citizenship to Sahrawis born during the period when Madrid administered Western Sahara, a move that could create new diplomatic tensions with Morocco over the disputed territory.
The bill, approved on Thursday, seeks to restore Spanish citizenship rights to people from Western Sahara who were born under Spanish colonial administration before the territory’s transition in the 1970s.
CONFIRMED FACTS
The legislation passed with 168 votes in favour, 31 against and 145 abstentions, according to a statement from Spain’s parliament.
The measure allows Sahrawis born under Spanish rule to apply for citizenship and also extends eligibility to their descendants.
Spanish media estimates suggest between 70,000 and 110,000 Sahrawis could potentially qualify under the new law.
The initiative was supported by Spain’s ruling Socialist Party and its left-wing coalition partner Sumar, which introduced the proposal.
The conservative opposition People’s Party abstained, while the far-right Vox party voted against the legislation.
Tesh Sidi, a member of parliament from the Sumar coalition and the first woman of Sahrawi origin to serve in Spain’s parliament, said the move would restore Spanish identity rights to Sahrawis who previously held Spanish nationality.
Spain governed Western Sahara from 1884 until 1976 before withdrawing from the territory.
Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and took control of much of the territory after Spain’s departure, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front continues to seek independence for the region through the creation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
DIPLOMATIC IMPLICATIONS
The citizenship decision could complicate Spain’s relationship with Morocco, which has viewed Western Sahara as part of its sovereign territory.
Relations between Madrid and Rabat have previously been strained over migration and the status of Western Sahara.
Tensions increased after thousands of migrants entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in 2021, although relations improved after Spain shifted its position in 2022 and described Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara as a “serious, credible and realistic” solution.
Spain had previously supported a United Nations-backed referendum on the future of Western Sahara before changing its policy under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.
Many Sahrawis currently live in refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, while others remain in Western Sahara or communities abroad.
The new legislation is expected to renew debate over Spain’s historical responsibility in the territory and its current diplomatic balancing act between Morocco, Sahrawi groups and broader regional interests.
