Dhaka, Jan. 29 -- Spain plans to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move drawing attention from countries including Bangladesh as it contrasts sharply with tougher immigration policies in parts of Europe and the United States.

Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz said beneficiaries will be able to work in any sector across the country and emphasized the "positive impact" of migration.

"We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people," she added, saying the government was "recognising" and giving dignity to people already in Spain.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cited the country's need for migration to fill workforce gaps and support an ageing population, ...