L’Hospitalet de Llobregat has launched a pilot programme for a new automated residency appointment system. This initiative aims to dismantle the black market for foreign residency appointments. Consequently, the system automatically assigns dates and times for immigration procedures, removing the need for manual booking. The city previously tackled similar issues when an immigration fraud network was charging for fake residency papers.

The primary goal is to eradicate the illegal resale of “cita prèvia” (prior appointments). This practice has long frustrated foreign residents and plagued the administration. Therefore, by automating the allocation, the system aims to create a fairer and more efficient process.

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How the Automated Residency Appointment System Works

Under the new protocol, when a resident’s file is resolved favourably, they are informed immediately. Importantly, they no longer need to request an appointment to obtain their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). Instead, the administration proactively manages the scheduling.

  • Automatic Assignment: A few days after the resolution, the user receives an SMS or email with a specific date and time to attend the National Police station.
  • Reminders: The system sends a reminder notification the day before the scheduled appointment.
  • Successful Trials: Authorities have already tested this model successfully in Castelló and Girona. Furthermore, they plan to expand it gradually across Spain.

The pilot is already underway. The first notifications about the new automated residency appointment system were sent on Monday, 12 January. Subsequently, users began receiving their specific appointment slots by 19 January. The first attendees were summoned for Monday, 2 February.

Combating the Resale Market with Automation

Carlos Prieto, the Spanish government’s delegate in Catalonia, presented the pilot. He described the automation as “a simple but very powerful improvement that simplifies the lives of many people.”

Beyond convenience, the system is a strategic tool against appointment resale. Previous attempts to curb this illicit business involved limiting bookings by IP address, phone number, or email. However, scalpers often found workarounds. By automating the allocation, the administration effectively removes the “product” from the market.

Authorities selected L’Hospitalet for the trial due to its optimal volume of resolutions. The pilot initially covers approximately 20 of the nearly 60 procedures handled by the office. This represents about 32% of monthly requests. The target is to automate at least 50% of the 1,400 monthly appointments in the city.

Regularisation Estimates for Barcelona

In related developments, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni met with Carlos Prieto to discuss immigration procedures. Following the meeting, Collboni announced the formation of a joint working group. This group will facilitate regularisation processes and began operations this Monday.

The Mayor also provided estimates regarding the recent national agreement to regularise half a million migrants. According to municipal data, at least 24,000 people currently in Barcelona could benefit immediately. Collboni emphasised the city’s experience with previous regularisation drives. Moreover, he expressed his commitment to ensuring an efficient process that reaches the maximum number of eligible residents. For more information on government digital services, you can visit the UK Government website.

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