Disciplined for providing assistance without an appointment: what about foreigners?

Juan Carlos, a SEPE official in Mérida, has been in public service for 40 years and at SEPE for 15. Now he faces a serious disciplinary action for doing what many consider his job: assisting citizens without an appointment. His “offense”: printing certificates and accessing data that was already in the system. For this, he could lose up to six months’ pay or be transferred. No big deal.

The case has brought together about a hundred local residents at the office door to support him. But behind this story lies a problem that directly affects you if you’re a foreigner: the mandatory appointment system at the SEPE. Procedures like renewing a subsidy or obtaining a benefits certificate expire in two weeks. If you can’t get an appointment, you’re out of luck. It’s that simple.

For immigrants, things get even more complicated. Getting a digital certificate isn’t easy, and you often need someone to print a document for you or walk you through a step. The alternative of going without an appointment—which is what Juan Carlos used to do—is now penalized. And be warned: according to some legal experts, the mandatory appointment requirement isn’t included in the Administrative Procedure Act. In other words, it could be illegal. You see.

If you find yourself in this situation, you have no choice but to try the online route. But if the system won’t give you an appointment and the deadline is fast approaching, you might consider going to the office and explaining your situation. Some civil servants, like Juan Carlos, will help you out, but they’re risking their jobs. Meanwhile, Congress has passed a bill to eliminate the appointment requirement, but so far, nothing has changed. So, be patient.

The moral of the story: the current system leaves out anyone who can’t or doesn’t know how to use the internet. And foreigners, with their tight deadlines and documentation at stake, are the first to pay the price. So now you know: if you have problems, take action.

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