Cubans affected by Dana in Spain can be regularized

Cubans affected by the Dana in Spain have received a light of hope after the tragedy in October 2024, which left 227 dead and destroyed almost 80 municipalities, especially in the Valencian Community.

Thanks to an extraordinary regularization approved by the Spanish government, thousands of migrants who were in an irregular situation may now regularize their status, access aid and begin to rebuild their lives.

This measure is crucial for Cubans affected by the Dana in Spain, who, for the most part, could not receive aid due to their immigration status.

We contacted 300 Cubans residing in the villages of #Valencia affected. We do not regret the loss of any national. We are moving that the homeland is proud of them for the solidarity they are providing to their Valencian neighbors.#Cuba pic.twitter.com/xjtndpefuu

– Alejandro Castro Medina (@Castromedinaale) November 1, 2024

The Spanish government approved on February 11, 2025 a package of measures aimed at regularizing Cubans affected by the Dana in Spain and other migrants who lived or worked in the most affected municipalities.

It is estimated that approximately 25,000 people can benefit from this regularization, which will allow them to access social benefits and improve their employment situation.

This measure represents a fundamental opportunity for those who were impacted by the DANA and who can now obtain residence and work permits for a year, facilitating their integration and access to basic rights.

Procedure for regularization

The process to obtain extraordinary regularization is clear and has several steps that must be followed. First, Cubans affected by the Dana in Spain must be registered in one of the municipalities, devastated by the storm.

This measure guarantees that those who lived in the affected areas can demonstrate their residence and thus access the regularization process.

Census

Migrants must be registered in the municipalities affected by the DANA, which is essential to demonstrate that they lived in these areas at the time of disaster. For those who have not registered, alternative residence tests will be allowed.

Required documentation

They must submit other documents that prove their permanence in the affected areas, such as labor contracts or service receipts, if they have them.

Application period

Applications must be submitted within three months of the entry into force of the measure, that is, before May 13, 2025. This process will be prioritized to guarantee a quick response.

Automatic renewal

Those migrants who already owned residence permits or work that expired between July 30, 2024 and April 1, 2025, will have an automatic renewal of their immigration status.

What are the affected municipalities?

Extraordinary regularization for Cubans affected by the DANA in Spain applies to more devastated municipalitiesmany of which are in the Valencian Community. These are some of the main affected municipalities:

• Alaquàs
• Alcàsser
• Benetússer
• Chiva
• Massassa
• Mislata
• Swedish
• Torrent
• Valencia (and its districts such as El Palmar, El Saler, Pinedo).

Migrants residing in these municipalities can access the regularization process, which will allow them to obtain legal status in Spain and access fundamental rights.

Testimonies

«This is a fairly big step, because with this we can opt for a job, a contract, and, well, to move forward,» says Lady Tana Benjumea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6pqhuu_ide

Lady, who lost her home in the storm, is excited by the opportunities that this regularization will provide, not only to access formal employment, but also to guarantee a safer future for her and her family.

As for Yolanda, a Colombian who returned to his country after losing his job due to the Dana, expresses his hope that this measure helps more people to regularize: «I hope and trust that you can be on the list one day,» Although she is aware that for her, she is outside the country, it will be a challenge.

What does this regularization mean?

Regularization for Cubans affected by the DANA in Spain represents an invaluable opportunity for those who did not have access to employment or public aid due to their irregular status.

Now, many migrants can get out of the shadow of irregularity, access health and education services, and participate fully in the Spanish economy.

On the other hand, social organizations have indicated that some migrants can be out of the process if they cannot demonstrate their residence.

Conclusion

The extraordinary regularization for Cubans affected by Dana in Spain is an expected measure offered by a second chance.

With regulating as a fundamental requirement and automatic permissions renewal for those who already had them. This measure facilitates the path to a more stable and legal future for migrants.

The opportunity to regularize their status and access formal employment contributes to the integration of migrants into Spanish society.