Great indignation and frustration are felt by the population of Santiago de Cuba when attempting to complete any procedure at the Civil Registry Office, as they are forced to endure long lines from the early morning hours without any guarantee of receiving the required service.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta explained on Facebook that the mentioned institution, located on San Francisco Street, only processes 30 ID cards per day, distributed as five per each service, even before opening its doors.
“If you are the sixth in line for obtaining a birth certificate, correcting errors, or getting a death certificate, you will have to wake up even earlier the next day to be among the first five people for the service you need,” noted the journalist, denouncing the bureaucratic system in this Santiago institution.
“If you lose your place, you could spend an entire year waiting in line to get a document from the civil registry,” Mayeta pointed out, implying that many people involved in obtaining Spanish citizenship have resorted to bribery as the only way to expedite the process in these offices.
Finally, he reported that after processing the 30 ID cards, “they do not promise to process any more for the rest of the day,” once again highlighting the difficulties faced by those needing any service from this institution.
The chaotic situation at the Civil Registry Office in Santiago de Cuba is not new. Last June, a video circulated on social media showing a tumultuous line at the institution. The footage captured the desperation and suffering of people gathered under the intense sun, seeking to complete essential civil procedures.
“A desperate people, hungry and under the sun,” one citizen is heard saying in the video, capturing the widespread distress among those present.
Santiago de Cuba Civil Registry Office: Common Questions and Issues
Here are some common questions and issues faced by individuals dealing with the Civil Registry Office in Santiago de Cuba, especially regarding the bureaucratic challenges and the limited processing of ID cards.
Why does the Civil Registry Office in Santiago de Cuba only process 30 ID cards daily?
The office is overwhelmed and understaffed, leading to a strict limitation of 30 ID cards processed daily, divided among various services.
What can individuals do if they miss their spot in line?
Individuals will need to arrive even earlier the next day to secure a spot among the first five for their required service. Unfortunately, this often means days or even weeks of waiting.
Are there any other ways to expedite the process in the Civil Registry Office?
Some individuals have resorted to bribery to expedite their processes, although this is illegal and not a recommended or ethical solution.