Fined for walk-in: how the SEPE case affects you

A SEPE official in Mérida—who’s been with the agency for 37 years, mind you—has been disciplined for helping people who showed up without an appointment. Last week, more than a hundred people gathered in front of the office to support him. This case has once again brought to light the mess surrounding the mandatory appointment system, which always ends up hurting immigrants.

That official’s name is Juan Carlos Nieto, and he’s been doing this for 37 years. The SEPE has opened a disciplinary case against him for serious misconduct: they say he was assisting users without appointments and issuing benefit certificates. During the protest, he explained it clearly: he was just doing his job, which is to ensure that people with urgent needs don’t go without assistance. SEPE management, however, says there are other aspects to the investigation that haven’t been disclosed.

For foreigners dealing with residency, work, or benefits, the appointment requirement is a massive barrier. Without one, many offices will simply shut the door on you. But the law does allow civil servants to assist you without an appointment in exceptional cases—especially if your matter is urgent and no appointment is available within a reasonable timeframe. The problem is that if they do so, the civil servant risks losing their job. So there you have it.

Nieto, when complaining about the staff shortage, explained that his office had gone from eight or nine civil servants to just four. That, combined with the province’s single-district system, makes getting an appointment a nightmare and causes the pressure on services to skyrocket. “There are people who need to sort out subsidies or benefits and can’t wait weeks,” he said. Congress recently approved a non-binding resolution to make the appointment system more flexible, but in practice it remains a pipe dream.

What do you do if you find yourself in a situation like this? First, always try to get an appointment online or by phone. If there aren’t any available and it’s urgent, go to the office and explain your situation. Some officials will help you; others won’t. Remember that they’re taking a risk. Bring as much documentation as you can and be very clear about what you’re asking for. Don’t insist if they say no, but don’t give up either—ask if there’s an alternative procedure. You’ve been warned.

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