Lawyers Criticize the Digitization of Immigration Services: 'It Hinders the Process'

Immigration lawyers are up in arms. This Friday, the president of the General Council of the Bar, Salvador González Martín, made it clear at the closing ceremony of the First Immigration Congress—organized by the Madrid Association of Administrative Agents—that the digitization of procedures is creating more delays and complications than it solves. Yes, you read that right.

According to González Martín, there is a lack of coordination between the government and those handling the cases. His main complaint: the new tools are being implemented without a proper approach. “They are becoming a threat that is having a terrible impact on citizens,” he said. He added that, with better organization, these problems could be avoided.

Furthermore, González Martín encouraged bar associations to raise their profile and fight for better communication with government agencies. He said that the training they provide builds trust, but that ethical oversight needs to be strengthened and, above all, they need to listen to what people truly need. So, there you have it.

The president of the Council of Administrative Managers, Fernando Jesús Santiago Ollero, went even further. He asserted that the government doesn’t listen to their proposals and isn’t interested in “dissenting voices.” He gave an example: the digital services they themselves have created. “They work a thousand times better than any city hall office,” he stated. And he complained that they’re being sidelined from customer service. “They just don’t want us,” he snapped. Furthermore, he described the system for accessing information in case files as “rubbish.” He doesn’t mince words.

If you’re waiting for an immigration appointment or have run into senseless delays, you’re not alone. Professionals are saying it loud and clear: digital bureaucracy is failing. What can you do? Well, here’s what: review your case file, keep all your supporting documents, and if the system isn’t responding, find a lawyer or an administrative agent. They know the tricks of the trade and how to file a complaint. Take action.

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