A BRUSSELS official has warned that migrants granted Spanish residence under the mass regularisation scheme will be deported back to Spain if they move to other EU countries.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speaking in the European Parliament, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Migration \u00a0 responded to questions about the controversial scheme raised by the European People\u2019s Party (EPP).\u00a0<\/p>\n
The EPP includes 22 Spanish MEPs from the Spanish People\u2019s Party, who have been vocal in their opposition to the scheme.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Schools shut, weak economic growth and labour shortages: Here\u2019s what Spain would look like without immigration\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Brunner allayed fears that Pedro Sanchez\u2019s scheme would have knock-on effects for migration rates in other member states. <\/p>\n He said: \u201cA national residence permit does not authorise travel within the EU, but only the right to live and work in the Member State that issued it. The EU has clear rules that must be respected.\u201d<\/p>\n Brunner added: \u201cFor example, if a person holding a national residence permit is found to be in an irregular situation elsewhere in the EU, or if that person applies for asylum in another Member State, they must return to the Member State that issued their residence permit.\u201d<\/p>\n Migrants regularised in Spain will therefore be sent back if they try to move to other EU countries.\u00a0<\/p>\n READ MORE: Spain grants free on-the-spot healthcare to all undocumented migrants<\/a><\/p>\n The responsibility for ensuring the deportation process is carried out will lie with Spain, Brunner added.\u00a0<\/p>\n When it comes to financing the process, the cost \u2018will be discussed between the countries\u2019 but based on Brunner\u2019s earlier warnings, Spain will likely foot the bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n