The Agency for Integration Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) in Portugal has achieved remarkable progress in addressing a large backlog of cases. It is now assisting 5,000 individuals each day which is a significant increase from its previous capacity of just 800 daily.
This notable improvement was announced by the Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro during a press conference following a Council of Ministers meeting. The minister highlighted the government’s determination to improve the efficiency and fairness of the migration system.
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AIMA Portugal Clears Backlog
AIMA had been dealing with a backlog of 400 thousand cases with some applications left unresolved for as long as seven years. The agency has now reviewed half of these cases by providing answers to over 113 thousand people. 108 thousand applications have been rejected. This marks a significant milestone in clearing a system that had left thousands in limbo.
Leitão Amaro said:
We went from 800 services per day to 5,000, it is a great capacity for expansion
He acknowledged that these long delays had caused significant stress and uncertainty for applicants. The agency is finally providing the clarity and resolutions that many people have been waiting for by speeding up the process.
Why Were Applications Rejected
The minister explained that the majority of the 108,000 rejected cases were due to unpaid fees which are a mandatory part of the application process. He noted that these rejections are not necessarily final.
Applicants who receive notifications about unpaid fees may still have the opportunity to make the payments and have their cases reconsidered.
Many of the rejected cases involve individuals who have already left Portugal. Minister said:
These are people who did not complete their process or pay the required fees before leaving the country
The consequences of a rejected residence permit can be serious for some. Those found living in Portugal without legal status may face legal actions which include detention or deportation. The government’s increased focus on compliance has brought more scrutiny to such cases.
Increased Supervision
The government has also introduced stricter oversight of migration processes to ensure better enforcement of existing laws. The laws themselves have not changed but the way they are implemented has become much more rigorous.
He emphasized that this increased monitoring ensures a fairer and more transparent system where all applicants are treated equally. The government is addressing both the humanitarian and security aspects of migration management.
The government’s push to accelerate the processing of applications is not just about efficiency. It also plays an important role in strengthening national security. The faster identification and verification of applicants help ensure that only eligible individuals receive residence permits.
At the same time the government is revising its policies for those who are denied permits. Leitão Amaro stated that these changes aim to align Portugal’s migration framework with international standards while maintaining a fair and humane approach to handling rejections.
The Remaining Pending Cases And Challenges
AIMA’s achievements are impressive but significant challenges remain. Half of the 400,000 pending cases are still awaiting decisions. Clearing these cases will require sustained efforts and resources.
To maintain this momentum, AIMA may need further investment in resources which includes additional staff and technological tools. The government has not yet disclosed specific plans to expand the agency’s capacity further but this will likely be necessary to prevent future backlogs.
Securing a residence permit is a crucial step toward building a stable and secure life in Portugal for many migrants. AIMA is helping restore dignity to thousands of people who had been left in uncertain situations for years by increasing its capacity and addressing the backlog.
The government must ensure that this process remains both efficient and compassionate. Advocacy groups have often criticized delays in the system. They argued that they leave vulnerable individuals in difficult and precarious circumstances.
The recent improvements are a positive step but more work is needed to ensure the system meets the needs of everyone it serves.
