Spain approves Sephardic Jew citizenship plan

Spain's cabinet on Friday approved a bill allowing descendants of 'Jews forced into exile centuries ago' the right to dual citizenship.

The cabinet added conditioned the grant to the applicants taking a Spanish culture test in addition to having their ancient ties to the nation vetted by experts.

Sephardic Jews who want to apply must have their heritage checked by the Spanish Federation of Jewish Communities or by rabbis where they live, Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said.

She did not provide details about the culture test but said it will be developed by the Cervantes Institute, which promotes Spanish language and culture abroad.

The plan aims to fix what the government calls the "historic mistake" of sending Jews into exile starting in 1492, forcing them to convert to Catholicism or burning them at the stake during the Inquisition.

It is expected to pass easily in Parliament because the ruling Popular Party has an absolute majority.