The Portugal Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), a newly established government body tasked with handling migration, asylum, and immigrant integration, is facing significant operational challenges just months after its October 2023 launch.
Replacing the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), AIMA has inherited a system struggling under the weight of bureaucratic backlogs, widespread complaints, and now, an employee strike over working conditions.
Overtime Strike Escalates Staffing Crisis
Even before the transition, SEF struggled to process residency applications and bureaucracy on time, with thousands of applicants waiting much longer for an appointment. Inheriting an already-strained system, AIMA has less staff than needed, causing most staff to work overtime without extra compensation.
This came to a head in early August when the National Federation of Trade Unions of Public and Social Workers called on its members to boycott working overtime until conditions improve. According to Portuguese law, government employees can’t refuse requests for additional work, but many AIMA workers have clocked more than the allowed upper limit of 150 extra hours per year.
“What led us to take this decision were the problems that have been occurring at AIMA since it began operating, which are closely linked to the lack of staff. There is a huge shortage of personnel,” explained FNSTFPS’s Artur Cerqueira.
Until more staff is hired, the AIMA Portugal strike will continue until the end of the year.
Read our Complete Guide on Portugal’s AIMA
Rising Complaints Over Delays and Bureaucracy
Frustrated with AIMA’s slow pace of processing residency and immigration paperwork, thousands of complaints have also been filed against the agency. As many as 50 complaints per day have made their way through the legal system, and recent estimates peg the total number of complaints to around 8,000.
A large percentage of the legal actions are aimed at compelling AIMA to provide definitive decisions on individual Golden Visa applications. These legal measures have been successful in many cases, benefiting not only applicants awaiting final decisions but also those still seeking pre-approval.
It’s important to note that while courts cannot directly decide on Portugal Golden Visa applications, they can require AIMA to issue decisions within specified deadlines. If AIMA fails to comply, its directors could be held accountable, as higher courts have already ruled.
These lawsuits are proving to be an effective tool for addressing the ongoing delays as legal action has often accelerated timelines by pressuring AIMA to prioritize responses.
However, even with legal intervention, further bottlenecks could arise during subsequent stages, such as biometric data collection. The hope is that at that point, a more streamlined system will be in place, although the potential need for additional legal measures cannot be entirely ruled out.
Government Measures to Tackle the Backlog
Looking at unofficial statistics, it becomes clear why AIMA is struggling with the workload (leading to an overtime strike) and why there are thousands of complaints against the agency speeding up Golden Visa decisions.
It is estimated that AIMA has a backlog of over 400,000 applications, of which 350,000 were inherited from SEF. To address this, the newly elected government is implementing an action plan to resolve pending issues by June 2025.
In addition to hiring more workers, AIMA president Luís Goes Pinheiro confirmed that the Council of Ministers approved the validity of residency visas and documents by one year until 30 June 2025.
Increasing the validity period will hopefully relieve some strain on the agency, as applicants won’t need to scramble before their visas and documents expire.
Other steps that the government has taken include modernizing computer systems and an enhanced method for scheduling appointments and expressions of interest.
What this Means For You
Even though the agency is embarking on strike action, it will operate as usual during regular business hours. The strike only calls for workers to down tools regarding overtime requests, and it will remain open, but it could slow down processes even more.
However, several encouraging developments could prevent a protracted process. The government is making significant efforts to address this issue and has proposed hiring up to 300 new workers for its migration task force as part of a broader action plan.
The government’s focus on resolving these concerns, combined with the strike action, could be the catalyst that finally brings efficiency to AIMA’s processes.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents.
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
Frequently Asked Questions About AIMA
How long is the AIMA Portugal strike expected to last?
Unless the government intervenes, the AIMA overtime strike is set to last until the end of the year. The National Federation of Trade Unions of Public and Social Workers is urging its members to refuse to work overtime without proper compensation.
How does AIMA support the legal migration process in Portugal?
AIMA supports the legal migration process by managing visas, residence permits, and other legal documentation required for immigrants to live and work in Portugal. The agency ensures that these processes are carried out in accordance with Portuguese law and international agreements, providing guidance and support to immigrants throughout the process.
Why did AIMA take over from SEF?
AIMA officially took over many of the responsibilities from SEF, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, on 29 October 2023. This transition was part of a broader reform of Portugal’s immigration and border control services. The restructuring aimed to separate SEF’s police functions from its administrative duties related to immigration and asylum, which were then transferred to AIMA to enhance the focus on integration and support for immigrants.
What's the difference between AIMA and SEF?
The difference between AIMA and SEF lies primarily in their functions and focus within Portugal’s immigration system. AIMA is primarily focused on the integration, migration management, and asylum processes for immigrants in Portugal, while SEF was tasked with border control, immigration enforcement, and national security.
