ICAM denounces obstacles in immigration appointments and fines imposed on lawyers in Madrid.

Are you waiting for an appointment for fingerprints at Santa Engracia? Then you already know what's in store: a struggle. Well, the ICAM has put its foot down and clearly told the Government Delegation that the current system is a bottleneck. Lawyers, with their digital certificate, can only book three appointments per request. Three. So just imagine the jam.

And that's not all: the ICAM has reported that lawyers are receiving police sanctions while defending their clients. In recent months, nine lawyers have had to request protection from the bar association. Look, a female lawyer received a fine of 700 euros after an officer mistreated her. Another duty solicitor was sanctioned with 601 euros for "disobedience to authority" while assisting a detainee. According to the ICAM, these fines violate the right to defense.

And what does the ICAM ask for? Well, for starters, to increase the slots at Santa Engracia —which is the only police station in Madrid that handles these procedures—. Also that the immigration office itself assigns the fingerprint appointment when processing your file, so you save yourself from fighting with the system. And this affects you directly: the more lawyers who can manage appointments, the faster your case will move forward.

Then there is the parking issue: the ICAM has requested parking spaces for duty lawyers at police stations and detention centers. Some progress has been made, but it still doesn't reach all centers.

The bar association insists that these sanctions and obstacles not only harm lawyers, but also everyone who needs their defense. So, if you have a lawyer, you know: the ICAM is pushing for the system to work. Hopefully.

If you have difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria