The Consulate General of Spain in Havana announced an important change on Thursday regarding the appointment request system for Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law (LMD).
“Due to the implementation of a new appointment request system for Spanish nationality under LMD, all users of the current system will be removed on June 23. Those who have credentials but have not yet booked their appointment have one month to do so,” published the diplomatic office on the social network X.
Applicants were warned that they have only one month to use their credentials and schedule an appointment; otherwise, they will be excluded from the current system and will have to restart the process on the new platform. This may increase delays and leave many people without the option to submit their applications before the deadline.
What does this change imply?
On its website, the consulate detailed that the measure aims to facilitate the transition to a new appointment reservation system that will provide better service to applicants. Current users must complete the reservation operation before June 23, even if the appointment is for a later date.
In addition, it was clarified that those who have requested credentials and have not yet received them will not lose their place in line, and that those who have not yet started the process will be able to do so soon on the new platform, which is set to launch in the coming weeks.
This new system will allow to schedule appointments until October 22, 2025, the deadline established by the Law of Democratic Memory for submitting nationality applications.
Recent changes in consular services
This is not the only adjustment made by the Spanish Consulate in Havana. At the end of April, an increase of 336 weekly appointments for the submission of applications under the LMD was announced, a measure that came into effect on May 5.
According to the consular office, this increase represents a 27.2% boost in service capacity and aims to address the high demand from Cubans of Spanish descent who aspire to obtain citizenship.
Reactions of Cubans: Between Hope and Skepticism
The Cuban community has reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and frustration to the announcements. Many see the expansion of appointments as a long-awaited opportunity to move forward with their procedures. However, criticisms have not been long in coming.
Social media users are reporting delays, a lack of transparency, and alleged irregularities in the process. "If this continues at this pace, the law will expire and many of us will be left out," wrote a concerned applicant.
Others question the effectiveness of increasing appointment slots without improvements in document processing: “We expect that if they have increased the daily capacity for receiving files, then they will accelerate the registration process or the sending of literal certifications,” noted another user.
There have also been complaints about the delivery of credentials and the order of service: “The increase in appointments is great, but will they continue to skip people? (...) People are not receiving their credentials.”
A right that represents hope
Spanish nationality represents for thousands of Cubans a vital opportunity to improve their living conditions and open new doors outside the island. The desperation to meet the requirements within the legal timeframe is palpable among the applicants.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the consulate to ensure that the transition to the new appointment system does not represent a setback or an additional barrier for those seeking to exercise the rights granted to them by the Ley de Memoria Democrática and to leave Cuba through legal means.
Frequently Asked Questions about the change in the appointment system at the Consulate of Spain in Havana
What is the main change in the appointment system of the Embassy of Spain in Havana?
The Spanish Consulate General in Havana has announced the implementation of a new appointment scheduling system for Spanish nationality under the Law of Democratic Memory (LMD). Starting on June 23, all users from the current system will be removed, so those with credentials must book their appointment before that date to avoid being excluded from the current system.
What happens if I don't book my appointment before June 23rd?
If you do not book your appointment before June 23, you will be removed from the current system and you will have to restart the process on the new platform. This could increase the delay in being served and leave many people without the option to submit their applications before the deadline established by the Law of Democratic Memory, which is October 22, 2025.
How does the system change affect those who already have credentials but have not received an appointment?
Those who have requested credentials and have not yet received them will not lose their turn as detailed by the consulate. The new system is designed to facilitate the transition and allow applicants to schedule appointments until October 22, 2025.
What measures has the Consulate taken to improve service for applicants for Spanish nationality?
The Consulate of Spain in Havana has increased the number of weekly appointments by 336 for the submission of files under the LMD, which represents a 27.2% increase in service capacity. This measure aims to address the high demand from Cubans of Spanish descent who aspire to obtain citizenship.
What does Spanish nationality represent for Cubans of Spanish descent?
Obtaining Spanish nationality represents a vital opportunity for many Cubans to improve their living conditions and open new doors outside the island. The Law of Democratic Memory provides a legal pathway for emigration, which has generated significant interest and, at the same time, criticism for the slowness and irregularities in the process.
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