Computer glitch at Immigration Office stalls thousands of residency permits

A serious incident in the Adexttra database prevents processing police reports and affects thousands of residency files across the country.

Close-up of a computer keyboard in an administrative office with dim lighting.
IA

Close-up of a computer keyboard in an administrative office with dim lighting.

The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed a serious breakdown in the immigration computer system that has stalled thousands of residency and work permits in Spain since last December.

The Adexttra database, used by the National Police to verify the criminal records of applicants, is suffering from a technical failure that prevents the issuance of mandatory reports. This situation affects approximately 80% of the files, which are normally processed automatically.
It is estimated that there are about 150,000 files on hold nationwide. Although the collapse is particularly visible in Madrid and Barcelona, other provinces are also suffering the consequences of this blockage, attributed to a system overload at the Security Technology Center (CETSE) in El Pardo.

"The Adexttra immigration database and its consultation system are suffering from a serious incident that prevents its management."

Ministry of the Interior sources · Ministry of the Interior
The blockage comes at a critical time, as Pedro Sánchez's Government plans to start a process in April to regularize about 500,000 immigrants. If the breakdown persists, the volume of applications could permanently overwhelm immigration offices.