Spain has confirmed it will allow British citizens to stay in the country if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.
The government in Madrid has said more than 300,000 registered expats would gain residency rights in a no-deal scenario.
Under the new rules however, they would have to wait until next year for identification cards to prove their right to stay.
Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said that the measures would be temporary and aimed at protecting both Spanish and British citizens, according to the BBC.
According to the Spanish news agency Local ES, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "Although Spain will not oppose granting a possible extension, this must have an assured perspective of resolution.
"Prolonging uncertainty by postponing deadlines is not a reasonable alternative nor is it desirable."
🏛️ @sanchezcastejon sobre el Brexit 🇬🇧:
— PSOE (@PSOE) February 27, 2019
ESTE VIERNES aprobaremos en el #CMin un Decreto Ley con planes de contingencia con medidas normativas para:
👉🏽 Preservar los intereses de los ciudadanos y su libre circulación.
👉🏽 Preservar los intereses económicos de España. pic.twitter.com/MJX15qfY4S