The eclipse took up all the resources and attention. Meanwhile, immigration appointments still haven’t been scheduled. Regularización Ya has criticized the Ministry of the Interior for this inequality. The organization asserts that procedures for migrants do not receive even a fraction of the care that was devoted to covering the astronomical event. It is a mockery, they say, that with the same technology that made it possible to broadcast the eclipse live, it is impossible to secure an appointment to renew a residence permit.
In its latest statement, the platform points out that thousands of booking attempts are blocked every day. The online system can’t keep up: slots sell out in minutes, and users are stuck in a loop. The platform is demanding an immediate solution, with more staff and a stable website. They add that the ministry has upgraded its servers for high-demand events, such as concert ticket sales, but not for a basic public service.
It’s not just an inconvenience. Without an appointment, you cannot renew your work permit, apply for residency, or initiate a case to establish ties to the country. That means remaining in an undocumented status, losing rights, and, in the worst-case scenario, facing a deportation order. The pandemic made things worse, but the Ministry hasn’t caught up yet. Thousands of people are affected, and many have been waiting for over a year.
What can you do in the meantime? Don’t give up. Try visiting during off-peak hours—first thing in the morning or after midnight. There are also organizations that share tips and let you know when slots open up. Some even offer help filling out forms. Take advantage of them. And if you manage to get an appointment, don’t let it slip by: confirm your attendance and have all your documents ready.
Regularización Ya isn’t stopping now. It has already collected thousands of signatures and plans to bring the issue before the Ombudsman. They’re calling on the Ministry of the Interior to treat appointments with the same seriousness as a solar eclipse: coordination, foresight, and resources. In the meantime, the organization reminds us that public pressure is the only thing that moves mountains. If you’re also experiencing delays, add your voice to the cause.
If you’re having trouble with your appointment or paperwork, message us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria
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