A Cuban man, identified on TikTok as Tony (@antonyoeb), has exposed alleged "malfunctions" at the Consulate of Cuba in Madrid and the Consulate of Spain in Havana. Tony asserts that the situation for Cubans in Spain has become unbearable, making it nearly impossible to visit family in the island or invite anyone to Spain.
"Consulate procedures are always frustrating. If you want to bring your family for a visit, being a Spanish citizen with a permanent job contract, pay slips, and financial stability isn't enough. Now, the invited person must also prove their ties to the island," he said indignantly.
He claims to know several people attempting to invite their parents to Spain, only to encounter obstacles. "This forces us to visit them in Cuba for the sake of family, and here too, problems arise. I want to hug my family. I started processing my Cuban passport over three months ago, and it's still not ready. Some people at the Cuban Consulate in Madrid have been waiting for their passports for over six months," Tony stated.
Tony criticized the continuous barriers imposed by both consulates on the reunification of Cubans in Spain with their families on the island. One of the most controversial issues is the "credentials" for online appointments. "The credentials are the 'usernames and passwords' to access the appointment management system. Why does the Consulate issue credentials if there are no appointments available? The credentials expire in three months, and people can't make their appointments. The documents, invitation letters, pre-tickets, and medical insurance all expire," Tony expressed with frustration.
These delays and bureaucratic procedures force people to redo their documentation, wasting both time and money, which is extremely frustrating. "Why are we Cubans subjected to such mistreatment and abuse? We might have to file complaints with the Ombudsman and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, but this needs to be resolved," he pointed out.
The number of Cubans residing in Spain reached a historic high of nearly 200,000 people in 2023, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) of Spain.
Challenges Faced by Cubans in Spain: Consular Issues
Here are some frequently asked questions about the consular challenges faced by Cubans living in Spain and the difficulties in reuniting with their families.
Why is it difficult for Cubans in Spain to visit their families in Cuba?
The consular procedures are complex and often require extensive documentation. Additionally, there are significant delays and bureaucratic hurdles that prevent timely processing of passports and visas.
What are the main issues with the online appointment system at the consulates?
The system issues credentials for accessing appointments, but there are often no available slots. Credentials expire in three months, forcing people to reapply and redo their documentation, which can be costly and time-consuming.
What steps can affected individuals take to address these consular issues?
Individuals can file complaints with the Ombudsman and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. Raising awareness through social media and seeking legal advice might also help in addressing these challenges.