The new Democratic Memory Law, better known as the ‘Grandchildren’s Law’, was approved on October 10, and will allow children and grandchildren of Spaniards, as well as Spaniards who have lost their nationality through marriage, to apply for Spanish nationality without the need to have been born or lived in the country.
(Read: Recommendations to get a job easier in Spain).
“Those born outside of Spain to a father or mother, grandfather or grandmother, who had originally been Spanish, and who, as a result of having suffered exile for political, ideological or belief reasons or sexual orientation and identity, had lost or renounced the Spanish nationality, may opt for Spanish nationality”, explains the recently approved bill.
It also mentions that the sons and daughters born abroad of Spanish women who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners before entering in force of the Constitution of 1978 can make the request to the law.
(See: The nationalities that most request asylum in Colombia).
The law, although it has already been approved, it will not enter into force until it is published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
Likewise, the law will grant a period of two years to be able to present the applications, explains the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain. Although the Council of Ministers might agree to the extension for one more year, the recommendation is to start the application process as soon as possible.
The purpose of the law is to recognize and make reparation to the Spanish exiles victims of the Franco dictatorship, as well as creating awareness regarding those critical moments in Spanish history.
The law has as its ultimate goalencourage peaceful coexistence and the continued development of our democracy”, explains the project.
The Government of Spain has planned granting nationality to 350,000 descendants of Spanish emigrants around the world. However, having a Spanish passport does not necessarily represent having the benefits of citizens, according to the Voice of America portal.
BRIEFCASE
With information from EL TIEMPO*
