Congress targets the mandatory prior appointment in immigration offices.

Yesterday, Congress opened up the debate on the appointment system. And what does that mean for you? Well, it means that the mandatory system for getting service at government offices is under scrutiny. If you’re processing immigration paperwork, this is the news you’ve been waiting for for years: the system is a hurdle that fuels mafias that resell appointments, especially in the immigration office.

It was the PP that put the proposal on the table: to eliminate the appointment system as the sole requirement and guarantee direct service to anyone who requests it, with or without an appointment. The debate dragged on and, lo and behold, revealed broad consensus: the current system, which began as an exception during the pandemic, has become entrenched. Members of Parliament from Vox, Junts, Podemos, ERC, Bildu, and PNV agreed that it is a disaster. They denounced overwhelmed services, such as employment services and, especially, immigration services. There, the scarcity of available slots has created a black market: websites and intermediaries charging up to 50 euros for an appointment that should be free.

“There are no appointments,” summarized a Podemos lawmaker. The Junts spokesperson was more direct: “The appointment system is a disaster.” ERC, Bildu, and Sumar, while arguing that appointments can be useful if not mandatory, demanded alternatives. The solution, they say, is not to simply eliminate the system, but to increase staffing and design hybrid models. Catalonia has already made appointments non-mandatory at its offices. And what can you do in the meantime? If you need to renew your residency or apply for asylum, do not buy appointments from scalpers. It is illegal, and you risk becoming undocumented.

The government has already taken some steps: walk-in service for those over 65 and people with disabilities at the Ministry of the Interior, and extended hours for document registration. But there is still much to be done. Immigration policy depends on the General State Administration, and changes take time to materialize. Meanwhile, Congress continues to debate. The PP’s proposal will be voted on in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned.

But be careful—don’t get complacent. The system may change, but as of now, appointments are still mandatory for most immigration procedures. So always use official channels: the online portal of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, or the immigration offices in your province. If the websites crash or appointments disappear in seconds, don’t despair. There are ways to get them without falling into the trap of the scammers.

If you’re having trouble with your appointment or procedure, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria