The extraordinary regularization of migrants has begun in the Canary Islands, but it is encountering a major impediment: the vulnerability certificate. According to a coordinator from a refugee aid organization in the islands, this document is the primary request from individuals visiting their offices and the biggest hurdle to completing the process.
This certificate is essential to prove a situation of vulnerability, such as difficulty finding employment or lack of economic income. However, it is not a requirement for everyone. Asylum seekers, individuals who have previously worked, those with a job offer, or those living in a family unit with minors or dependents are exempt. It is only mandatory for those who do not meet any of these conditions.
“"For 80% of the people who approach our organization, the only document they lack is the vulnerability certificate."
Frustration is evident, as for a large majority of applicants, this certificate is the only pending requirement. This situation has led to questioning the appropriateness of the requirement, arguing that a person in an irregular situation is already in an intrinsically vulnerable position.
To obtain the document, interested parties must go to municipal social services or accredited collaborating entities. Official information is available on the websites of the Ministry of Inclusion and the Government of the Canary Islands, which has enabled a specific portal with geolocation of application points. The major challenge is ensuring the system has the necessary capacity to manage all requests.
Several Canarian municipalities are already collaborating to meet the high demand. In Gran Canaria, appointments can be made via phone 010, and the municipality of Santa Lucía plans to activate a specific service point. The involvement of municipal social services is considered crucial to extend the reach of the process throughout the territory.
In parallel with this process, there has been a drastic decrease in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands. As of April 15, the decline is 82% compared to the previous year. This drop is attributed to border control policies and border externalization agreements between Spain and the European Union with countries such as Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal.
It is criticized that these policies focus on “security responses” instead of “generating well-being,” which forces migrants to undertake increasingly dangerous and extensive routes, departing from places as far away as Gambia or Guinea, making the journey much more complex and dramatic.
“"If one wants to be Christian, and not just Christian, if one wants to be human, one must attend to them and care for them."
In this context, the words of the bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, who urged empathy towards the harshness of the Atlantic route, have been described as “very conscious and forceful” by the coordinator of the refugee aid organization. These statements aim to highlight the difficult situation faced by these individuals and encourage reflection on collective responsibility.
Despite the challenges, the organization trusts that the regularization process will proceed as normally and with as many guarantees as possible. The possibility of extending the deadline, relaxing requirements, or strengthening capacities is not ruled out if the situation demands it, given that the current deadline is June 30.
