The Consulate General of Pakistan in Barcelona woke up this Thursday to extremely long queues of citizens waiting to obtain the criminal record certificate, essential for applying for extraordinary regularization. Some had arrived at Avinguda de Sarrià, near Comte Borrell street, as early as 02:00 AM.
The queue stretched about 300 meters and required the deployment of Mossos d'Esquadra and Guàrdia Urbana units to manage traffic and ensure the roadway was not occupied. This certificate is the only bureaucratic procedure that requires intervention from the administration of the country of origin for the regularization approved by the Government.
“"Life without papers is very difficult; we are very happy."
It is estimated that about 150,000 immigrants residing in Catalunya could benefit from this measure. Despite the effort, applicants will need patience, as the deadline for applying for regularization is not expected to open until early April. From then on, they will have until June 30 to submit this penal certificate and proof of residence in Spain for at least five months.
