Introduction
With the Spanish government under Sánchez announcing a new large-scale immigration regularization (or “amnesty”) program, the Algerian consulate in Alicante is facing unprecedented pressure. Due to the limited number of appointments released by the consulate, hundreds of migrants from across Spain have gathered, hoping to obtain a key document needed for the amnesty application, leading to scenes of chaos.
1. The Source of the Chaos: 400 Appointments
The immediate trigger for the incident was the release of only 400 on-site appointments by the Algerian consulate on Calle Pintor Velázquez. To secure a spot, a large number of Algerian migrants residing in Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia, and even as far as Ceuta and Melilla, flocked to the location. Many chose to queue overnight in the streets, with some traveling from cities like Villarreal in the early hours just to ensure they could process their paperwork.
2. The Key Document: Power of Attorney for “Criminal Record Certificate”
The central goal for this wave of migrants is to prepare for the upcoming amnesty. Applicants must submit an official certificate of no criminal record from their country of origin. Considering the high cost in time and money to return to their home country to obtain it, the vast majority of migrants opt to sign a power of attorney at the consulate. This authorizes a relative in Algeria to process the certificate on their behalf, making this authorization an essential document for them to get on board with the amnesty program.
3. Partial Paralysis of City Functions
The large gathering of people has severely impacted the area surrounding the consulate. The National Police’s Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR) has cordoned off the relevant streets, allowing only those with proof of an appointment to pass. The prolonged blockade and chaos have brought normal business operations for surrounding merchants to a halt, with many shop owners complaining they are on the brink of bankruptcy. Meanwhile, many ordinary citizens needing to process routine services like passport renewals are also unable to enter the consulate due to the crowding.
4. Political Repercussions and Official Response
This incident has drawn significant attention from the Alicante City Council and the local government. Some political factions, represented by the VOX party, have voiced criticism, viewing it as a public safety concern stemming from misguided immigration policies and expressing worry over recent violent incidents involving this group. Currently, the Alicante government delegation is in urgent negotiations with the Algerian consulate, hoping to find a more effective solution to alleviate the traffic and security pressures that may persist in the coming days.
