Sanctioned for attending without an appointment: the labyrinth of Administration

Juan Carlos, a SEPE employee in Mérida, is facing disciplinary action for assisting citizens who couldn’t get an appointment. Yes, you read that right: he’s being punished for doing his job. And the rally of support that’s been organized will give you an idea of just how much this problem affects you if you’ve ever tried to complete a bureaucratic procedure in Spain.

For many foreigners, the SEPE—the State Public Employment Service—is the gateway to everything: from registering as a job seeker to renewing your papers or collecting unemployment benefits. But getting an appointment? That’s a whole other story. Schedules are packed, wait times are getting longer, and when the website or phone lines aren’t working, the in-person counter is your only option.

So Juan Carlos decided to take action. Without an appointment, without following protocol, he helped those who knocked on his door. And that’s why he got disciplined. Let me explain the paradox: a civil servant who does exactly what he’s supposed to do—help—ends up being punished. And those who need that help are left in limbo. Basically, the system is chasing its own tail.

So if you’re in the middle of a process and find yourself without an appointment, know that you’re not alone. Associations and unions have been denouncing this for a while: the appointment system, far from streamlining things, excludes people. Especially those with limited internet access or who struggle with the language. What happened in Mérida isn’t a one-off; it’s a reflection of a complaint heard all over Spain.

So what can you do? First, keep trying the website and calling. But if time is running out and you don’t get a response, seek help: the SEPE unions sometimes lend a hand. And don’t forget that there are information points for foreigners—immigration offices, specialized NGOs—where you can get guidance. Take action; don’t get left hanging.

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