Migrant women in Extremadura call for better coordination with the Immigration Office

A group that is closely monitoring the extraordinary regularization process in Extremadura has brought to light several obstacles that leave some families in limbo. The most sensitive issue: minors who migrated with their mothers may be left without legal status if the father, who remains in another country, does not sign the necessary permission form. This is according to the Movement of Migrant Women, based in Mérida since 2023.

The organization, founded in 2019, has assisted about 1,000 people since the process began in April. They see progress: many decisions are favorable. But there are also requirements that complicate matters. For example, obtaining documentation from Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela requires legalization and an apostille, and these procedures can take longer than the deadlines set by the Immigration Office.

Another obstacle is the digital divide. A significant portion of the procedures and notifications are handled online, and not everyone has the skills or access. If you don’t receive a notification, or can’t complete an online payment, the clock keeps ticking.

That’s why they’re asking Immigration offices to coordinate more closely with the organizations that assist with these processes and to extend deadlines when there are objective difficulties in obtaining documents. If you’re in the middle of this process and encounter an obstacle, insist on scheduling an appointment or explaining your situation; but above all, seek advice from organizations that know the ins and outs of the system.

They’ve also identified a serious problem regarding employment. Some companies are terminating contracts with individuals covered by this process because there is still no final decision. And in the meantime, these individuals cannot activate their digital certificates or register as job seekers. The organization is calling for the administrative status of these individuals to be recognized while their cases are being resolved.

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