Hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants in Spain are breathing a sigh of relief as the government unveils a plan to grant them legal status.
The move is being hailed as a "game-changer" by migrants who have lived in limbo for years, working without residency documents and facing exploitation.
"I've been forced into occasional work instead of pursuing my tourism career."
"Working without documents is hard, you're vulnerable to exploitation and it's stressful," said Diana, a 40-year-old Peruvian migrant.
The government's regularisation scheme, open from April to June, could benefit up to 1.1 million migrants who have spent at least five months in Spain with no criminal record.
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Reports insisted that successful applicants will receive a one-year renewable residency visa.
The policy is driven by humanitarian issues and economic necessity, says the Socialist-led coalition government.
Foreign workers have contributed massively to Spain's economic growth, accounting for 14.1 per cent of registered workers and driving half of the country's growth in 2022.
The move has been welcomed by employers' associations, but criticised by opposition parties who claim it will attract more migrants.
For migrants like Manuel, the policy offers a chance to rebuild: "The regularisation will allow me to work and contribute to social security. This will change lives and benefit Spain, Immigration lawyer Pilar RodrÃguez agrees."