Ombudsman Calls on SEPE to Account for Punishing a Civil Servant

Have you tried to make an appointment with SEPE only to face weeks-long wait times or a "no appointments available" message? If so, this is for you. The Ombudsman has launched an investigation against the SEPE regarding disciplinary proceedings against a civil servant at the Mérida office. The reason: assisting citizens who arrived without an appointment.

According to El País, the civil servant was helping those who hadn’t managed to get an appointment for benefit certificates, always after attending to those with appointments or during his free time. The Ministry of Labor—headed by Yolanda Díaz—denies this: they say the proceedings are confidential and were initiated for other administrative reasons. But the timing has set off alarm bells.

For foreigners, the SEPE is essential: it processes benefits, work history certificates, and other documents needed to renew permits. Getting an in-person appointment is an ordeal. Staff shortages are chronic, and that delays your paperwork. In fact, illegal businesses have sprung up selling appointments—the Ministry has already reported them in Catalonia.

The Ombudsman has been hearing complaints for years about the impossibility of getting appointments and has recommended solutions. Now he is asking the SEPE for details of the case file, the criteria for in-person service, and the average wait time for an appointment in Mérida. The civil servant, meanwhile, remains in his position and has received the support of about a hundred people at a rally.

Ángel Gabilondo’s office wants to know whether, in practice, those who try to alleviate the backlog are being punished. In any case, if you’re waiting for an appointment, you know the system is overwhelmed. So you have no choice: keep trying or look for alternatives. For example, go to your local office first thing in the morning or try booking an appointment online. Take action—don’t let them string you along.

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