The Association of Spanish Diplomats (ADE) has criticised the electoral authority for failing to publish in time the CERA register of overseas Spaniards, warning that any further delay will „generate tension” among new citizens created by the ‘Ley de Nietos’. ADE says consulates processed nearly 2.5 million nationality applications since the law entered into force, of which 163,020 are now under judicial review following a Supreme Court ruling that suspended their voting rights pending verification. Diplomatic staff claim they are „gravely understaffed” yet managed an „extraordinary effort” to meet court deadlines. The debate matters for global mobility because thousands of dual nationals rely on Spain’s passport to access EU labour markets without visa restrictions. If doubts over the validity of their nationality persist, employers may need to verify workers’ status more carefully before assigning them within the bloc. ADE urges the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice to redouble resources and issue clear instructions to consulates before regional elections scheduled for 29 November.
Source: Diplomacy News
