LISBON, Portugal – The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), Portugal’s new immigration agency, is facing a significant challenge as it begins operations. The agency has inherited approximately 350,000 pending immigrant legalization cases, a backlog that has accumulated over the years due to various factors.
AIMA was established following the abolition of the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and the restructuring of the border control system. The agency is now responsible for the reception, integration, and asylum of migrants.
To address the backlog, AIMA has outlined a plan to significantly reduce the number of pending cases, with a particular focus on family reunification cases. The agency plans to launch a large-scale operation to address these pending cases in the first quarter of next year.
This operation will involve collaboration with municipalities and local centers for assisting migrant integration. The organizational model for this operation is inspired by the one used for the COVID-19 vaccination.
In addition to addressing the backlog, AIMA will also handle a variety of administrative functions related to foreign citizens in Portugal. These include controlling the entry and stay of foreign citizens on Portuguese soil, granting stay extensions, issuing, and renewing residence permits, and handling residence cards and permanent residence cards for relatives of EU citizens who are nationals of a third country.
AIMA will also be responsible for running solidarity facilities and programs and implementing the resettlement and reinstallation of refugees. The agency will provide support at border crossing points for visa issuance, in coordination with the security forces responsible for border surveillance, inspection, and control.
As AIMA begins its operations, the agency has a significant task ahead. However, with its comprehensive plan and collaborative approach, there is hope that the backlog of pending cases can be significantly reduced, paving the way for a more efficient and effective immigration system in Portugal.
source: theportugalnews.com, portugal.gov.pt, eportugal.gov.pt, lvpadvogados.com, best-citizenships.com, digitalemigre.com, eportugal.gov.pt, theportugalnews.com, imigrante.sef.pt