Spanish Consulate in Cuba Expands Appointments for Democratic Memory Law Processing in May

Starting May 5, the Spanish Consulate in Havana will increase the weekly appointment slots by 336 for processing applications under the Democratic Memory Law (LMD). This decision was officially announced on April 25 via the Consulate's profile on social media platform X. With these additional slots, the Consulate's capacity to handle applications will rise by 27.2%, as confirmed by the diplomatic mission.

This news has been met with enthusiasm by many Cuban descendants who are eager to acquire Spanish citizenship, viewing this expansion as an opportunity to advance their applications. However, the announcement has also sparked a wave of criticism and complaints. Users have voiced concerns over delays, lack of transparency, and inefficient management at the Spanish Consulate in Havana.

"At this slow pace, the law will expire, and many of us will be left out. Speed things up, hire more staff, do something," urged one visibly worried applicant, noting that the deadline for application submission remains set for October 22. Another user questioned the effectiveness of increasing appointments if the rest of the process doesn't accelerate as well. "We hope that increasing the daily intake of applications means they will also speed up the registration or mailing of literal certifications."

Concerns extend beyond document delivery delays, with accusations of irregularities in the order of service. "The increase in appointments is great, but I have a doubt. Will they keep skipping people? (...) This will mean nothing if people don't receive their credentials," one commenter noted. Others demand consistency between the increase in appointment availability and the processing of documentation. "If there are more appointments, then issue more credentials," a user insisted.

Amid widespread frustration, one message encapsulates the collective sentiment of many Cuban descendants: "We also want to be Spaniards by right." The Consulate has not publicly addressed these criticisms, while social pressure mounts on the diplomatic mission to manage the naturalization process under the Democratic Memory Law more effectively.

The desperation among many Cubans to complete their applications is palpable. Gaining Spanish citizenship through their grandparents could represent a significant life change and an escape from the hardships faced in Cuba.