Spanish Police Alert to Surge in Fraudulent Lost Passport Reports Amid Migrant Regularisation Drive

Police Issue Nationwide Alert on Passport Fraud

The Spanish National Police have issued a nationwide alert concerning a significant increase in fraudulent reports of lost or stolen passports. The warning, circulated by the General Commissariat for Foreigners and Border Control (CGEF), highlights a suspected link between this surge and the government's recently announced extraordinary regularisation program for undocumented migrants.

According to a preliminary analysis comparing the period from January 15 to February 6, 2026, with the same timeframe in 2025, reports of lost or stolen passports have risen by approximately 60% overall. Investigators believe that some undocumented migrants may be deliberately filing these reports to create an official record, known as a 'denuncia', proving their presence in Spain before a crucial residency eligibility deadline.

Link to Migrant Regularisation Program

The spike in reports coincides with the government's announcement on January 27 of a new decree. This program aims to grant legal status to an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants who can demonstrate they were living in Spain before December 31, 2025, allowing them to apply for one-year residence and work permits. A police report of a lost passport, dated weeks or months prior, could serve as official evidence of presence in the country.

The CGEF's analysis has identified specific nationalities showing the steepest increases in these reports:

• Pakistani nationals: an increase of 866.67%
• Algerian nationals: an increase of 356.35%
• Moroccan nationals: an increase of 114%
• Colombian nationals: an increase of 35%

Police Response and Union Concerns

In response to these findings, the police have recommended that officers conduct full identity checks and thoroughly verify the administrative status of foreign nationals reporting lost or stolen documents. This includes cross-referencing individuals with existing asylum or expulsion files, as well as national and Interpol databases. Investigations have revealed multiple irregularities in many cases, including prior criminal or police records, the use of different identities, and outstanding administrative decisions related to immigration status.

Police unions, such as Jupol, have voiced strong concerns, stating that the regularisation decree creates a 'pull-factor for fraud' and is overwhelming already strained immigration teams. Jupol stated, 'It is unacceptable that the National Police is being used as a tool to facilitate regularisation processes through alleged and fraudulent reports, undermining the police function and further overwhelming already strained immigration teams and staffing levels.' They have called for clear and forceful measures to protect the legality and professionalism of the National Police.