Spain’s New Sahrawi Citizenship Law Sparks Unease in Morocco
Spain’s Parliament has approved a new law. This law could offer Spanish citizenship to certain people from Western Sahara. This decision has caused concern in Morocco. The bill passed with 168 votes in favor and 31 against. It still needs approval from the Senate to become a full law.
The new bill allows Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before September 29, 1977, to apply for Spanish nationality. They would not need to meet the usual long residency rules. Their direct family members can also apply. Additionally, Sahrawis living legally in Spain could apply after two years, instead of the normal ten.
Spain was the colonial power in Western Sahara until 1976. Supporters of the bill say it corrects a past injustice. Western Sahara remains a disputed territory. Morocco sees it as part of its own land. The Polisario Front wants the area to be independent.
This new law does not change Western Sahara’s territory status. It also does not recognize an independent Sahrawi state. Morocco’s worry is about the link the law creates between Spain and people from Western Sahara. Experts say between 70,000 and 110,000 people could qualify.
Anyone who gets Spanish nationality also becomes a European Union citizen. This gives them new rights. Potential beneficiaries include Sahrawis living in Western Sahara. It also includes refugees living near Tindouf in Algeria. The Polisario Front is based there.
For Morocco, this means more Spanish and EU citizens with ties to Western Sahara. This issue is very important for Morocco’s relationship with Spain.
This citizenship bill follows a big change in Spain’s policy. In 2022, Spain supported Morocco’s plan for Western Sahara’s self-governance. This improved relations between Spain and Morocco. They then strengthened cooperation on many issues.
Spain might say the new law addresses its colonial past. It might argue this is separate from political solutions. However, Morocco finds it hard to separate these issues. Both concern Western Sahara.
The bill has also divided political parties in Spain. The governing Socialist Party supported it. The conservative People’s Party did not vote. The Vox party voted against it. This shows a wider debate in Spain about its colonial history.
Spain has used historical ties for citizenship before. In 2015, it offered citizenship to Sephardic Jews. This was linked to their expulsion from Spain centuries ago.
This precedent is important for Morocco. If Spain uses historical ties for Sahrawis, Morocco asks why its own historical ties to Ceuta and Melilla are ignored. Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish cities on Morocco’s northern coast. Morocco claims these cities as its own. Spain rejects this claim.
In terms of territory, this new law changes little. It does not decide who controls Western Sahara. It also does not change Spain’s official support for Morocco’s autonomy plan. Its main importance is how it affects the delicate relationship between Spain and Morocco.
