The extraordinary regularization process for migrants in Spain, which began in-person this week, has led to a massive influx at public administrations. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, applicants primarily seek vulnerability certificates or registration certificates, key documents for formalizing their residency in the country.
The situation has caused many people, including families with infants, to wait for hours outside the municipal building. Despite the long wait, a significant number are unable to be attended to, forcing them to return on subsequent days. The demand for these certificates has substantially increased the municipal administrative burden.
“"The extraordinary regularization process is having a very high impact on the capital's City Council, to the point of threatening to block ordinary citizen services and worsen the situation of social services that were already completely overwhelmed."
The Popular Party in the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council has criticized the management of the process, noting that it could benefit around 50,000 people in the Canary Islands and is overwhelming municipal services. Since March 1st, the city council has issued over 16,000 certificates and registration slips, a 12% increase compared to the previous year, although not all are directly linked to regularization.
To streamline the vulnerability certificate process, the City Council has made an application form available on its electronic platform and implemented an appointment system. This service is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays via the official website, telephone 010, and digital kiosks in municipal offices.
