Massive queues have piled up across Spain as the socialist Government's large-scale migrant amnesty programme officially started.
Thousands of undocumented migrants were spotted lining up at more than 400 registration points across the country.
The initiative - which aims to grant legal status to around half a million illegal migrants - was formally approved at a cabinet meeting last Tuesday before applications opened on Thursday.
Desperate applicants have been photographed waiting for hours outside registry offices and temporary processing centres throughout Catalonia, Andalucia and Asturias.
Many were seen camping overnight to secure their place in line, determined to complete the paperwork required to secure their legal status.
The programme is seen as a cornerstone of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's agenda - even though his neighbouring European nations battle a Mediterranean migrant crisis.
The scale of demand has overwhelmed local authorities in several major cities.
In Barcelona, one Colombian migrant told El Periodico that he had arrived "around 10 or 11pm last night so we wouldn't be left out; we've been here for about 15 hours".
Thousands of illegal migrants were spotted lining up at more than 400 registration points across the country
|REUTERS
A Honduran applicant described sleeping on the ground whilst waiting, adding: "A very large group of people almost trampled me... We risked our lives, but it will be worth it."
Seville's City Hall general registry has also been overwhelmed, with local reports suggesting officials were forced to shut early due to the sheer volume of people.
Immigration officers had threatened industrial action from Monday, warning that insufficient resources had been allocated to manage the process, though the strike was ultimately averted following government negotiations.
Meanwhile, Santiago Abascal, leader of the right-wing Vox party, accused the socialist-led coalition of accelerating an "invasion" of Spain.
SPAIN - READ THE LATEST:
Huge queues were seen snaking around in Barcelona as the amnesty officially started
|REUTERS
The scale of demand has overwhelmed local authorities in several major cities
|REUTERS
Pepa Millan, Vox's spokesman, warned the amnesty "attacks our identity" and confirmed the party would seek to block it through an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The opposition Popular Party agreed Vox's sentiment, branding the drive "reckless".
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, a senior Popular Party figure, has similarly threatened legal action to challenge the programme in court.
Critics have warned that without more homes, granting legal status to such large numbers will only ratchet up competition for scarce accommodation in Spain's cities.
The programme is seen as a cornerstone of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's progressive agenda
| GETTYWhile a police report predicted just weeks ago the amnesty would trigger "secondary movements" of between 200,000 and 250,000 illegals every year from other Schengen-area nations into Spain over the medium- to long-term.
Mr Sanchez has defended the programme as both morally just and economically essential.
He wrote on social media: "Spain is ageing... Without more people working and contributing to the economy, our prosperity slows, and our public services suffer."
The scheme follows an agreement between Mr Sanchez's Socialist party and the far-left Podemos.
Applicants must demonstrate they were living in Spain for at least five months before December 31, 2025.
They must also prove they have no criminal record.
Those who qualify will receive one-year residence permits, which can be renewed.
Applications close on June 30, 2027.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter