PP leader Mariano Rajoy (archive photo) unveiled plans yesterday to create an "integration contract" whereby immigrants will enjoy the same rights as Spaniards if they commit to "obey the law, learn the language and respect Spanish customs."

The scheme borrows heavily from an idea proposed by the moderate Catalan nationalist CiU party in their manifesto for last year's municipal and regional elections.

Mr Rajoy explained at a party conference in Barcelona that the plan will affect those immigrants applying for visas of more than twelve months, and will include a commitment to return home if the applicant is subsequently unable to find work.

Mr Rajoy also pledged that under him there would be no more illegal immigrant amnesties, and vowed to make it impossible "to enter Spain illegally."

He also explained that foreign "delinquents" would be deported from Spain - "even those with residence permits" - and that he would campaign for Brussels to prevent deported wrongdoers from ever returning to the European Union, promising to "slam the door on those who refuse to respect the law."