Shortage of immigration appointments in Spain drives prices up to 400 euros

The Spanish National Police's foreign services are overwhelmed, with online booking platforms saturated and virtual queues growing. This parallel trade targets individuals whose legal stay depends on strict deadlines, such as those needing to renew cards, provide fingerprints, or regularize their status. Failure to secure an appointment can lead to a regular situation becoming irregular, fueling demand for these paid slots.

Lawyers specializing in foreign affairs describe firms posing as consulting agencies or administrative service providers that promise "guaranteed" appointments for immediate payment, with a risk of scams where money is taken but no appointment is provided. The Spanish police acknowledge the congestion at their counters and the existence of this traffic, stating they are increasing human and material resources to manage the influx. However, the gap between available appointments and demand remains significant.

This imbalance occurs amidst a tense climate, as Madrid has resumed forced repatriation procedures for Algerians in irregular situations while also conducting a large-scale regularization operation, further increasing administrative tasks. Catalonia, particularly Barcelona and its surroundings, experiences intense pressure on these services, though the problem extends to other Spanish cities like Alicante. To comb