On November 19, 2024, a new Instruction was issued, putting an end to the Joint Instruction of March 15, 2019, by the Director-General of Migrations and the General Commissioner for Immigration and Borders. The 2019 instruction allowed Venezuelan nationals in Spain to present their expired passports to carry out immigration procedures, such as applying for residence or work permits and obtaining a foreigner identity card.
The 2019 instruction was issued due to the difficulties Venezuelans faced in renewing their passports through the Venezuelan consular services in Spain. This situation caused many of them to find themselves in an irregular situation. However, circumstances have since changed. Venezuelan consulates in Spain have now returned to normal operations regarding passport renewals, rendering the 2019 Instruction void for all procedures initiated from November 19, 2024, onward.
Below, we provide a copy of the instruction:
How does this affect Venezuelan nationals?
From now on, Venezuelan nationals wishing to carry out immigration procedures must renew their passports through the Venezuelan consulates in Spain before initiating any application. The submission of expired passports will no longer be accepted in these processes.
What should Venezuelan nationals do?
If you are a Venezuelan citizen in Spain, we strongly recommend starting the passport renewal process as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Regularizing your immigration status now depends on having a valid passport, making it essential to comply with the new requirements.
At ARC Legal, we are here to assist you with the necessary procedures and answer any questions you may have about this new change in immigration regulations.