” I note the problems being experienced in some parts of Spain with obtaining the Resident Cert.

In Fuengirola, since the change over, they have operated an appointment by phone system, with an English speaking volunteer; thus avoiding queues. They have also recently installed a dedicated line, for English callers (952 197 114) to reduce further communications problems.

Since the abolition of the Residencia it has become apparent many ‘foreigners’ are increasingly finding problems of proving their identity. My Residencia expired in April and thus I have seen first hand the problems. The British do not have a National ID card and even if they did, like many other countries, they would lose their right to it on moving to Spain. This means the only legally accepted ID is a passport; very difficult to carry at all at times. Again with the Brits it means when the passport becomes ‘dog-eared’ one must apply for a replacement. A UK passport can only be obtained in Madrid and thus the overall cost, including courier service, is around 200 euro. I am seriously considering applying for Spanish Nationality, thus renouncing my British Nationality, so that I can have an ID card.

For about 10 years I have worked as a volunteer translator with the National Police and the Guardia Civil. Many times I have seen officers taking denuncias refuse to accept copy passports, copy Residencias, national driving licences and various other ‘ID documents’ which people have produced, insisting they return with their original passports. I accept some officers are more understanding and will on occasions waive the legal requirement for the original passport.

The Residents Cert, which has a highlighted warning, printed in two places,, that it is not proof of identity, seems to be a worthless piece of A4 paper. Almost nobody I have spoken to can understand why the Residencia was abolished. What was needed was a simplified method of application and immediate issue. At Fuengirola it is anticipated that a machine, which will produce a Spanish ID (DNI) instantly, will shortly be operating. It probably could have produced Residencias too!

Having supported the abolishment of the Residents Card can I now suggest you use the same efforts to have a replacement for it introduced so we are not ‘second class citizens’ required to carry passports as proof of ID having been deprived of our Residencias ! ”

Note: If you want a British National Identity Card now which is as far as I can tell is identical to what the Government-produced ID card will eventually look like (unless they change their minds again), see below - Robin

http://www.phidentity.com/03-uk-national-identification.html

Submitted by Robin Flood