Portugal Extends Validity of Immigration Documents for One Year
Portugal extends the validity of immigration documents and visas for one year to address a backlog of over 400,000 pending cases.
The Portuguese government has announced a one-year extension of the validity of all immigration documents and visas for foreigners residing in the country, effective until June 30, 2025. This decision comes in response to a significant backlog of pending applications at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA), which was estimated at 410,000 cases as of June 25.
The extension applies to various types of documents, including residence permits, work visas, and visas for mobility within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The government also established a special task force to address the backlog of pending applications.
Addressing the Backlog and Streamlining the Process
The government's move aims to alleviate the burden on immigrants who have been facing delays in renewing their documents. The backlog has been attributed to a surge in applications, particularly for residence permits and work visas, coupled with a shortage of resources at AIMA.
In a statement following the Council of Ministers meeting, the government acknowledged the long-standing concerns of immigrants regarding the delays and emphasized its commitment to addressing the issue. The government has also established a dedicated task force, the "Mission Structure for the Recovery of Pending Processes at AIMA," to expedite the processing of pending applications. This task force will be comprised of up to 300 personnel dedicated to both administrative processing and providing direct assistance to applicants.
AIMA's Perspective and Future Plans
Luís Goes Pinheiro, the president of AIMA, expressed confidence that the backlog will be cleared by the summer of 2025, allowing authorities to focus solely on current applications. He highlighted that the backlog comprises 342,000 "declarations of interest" and administrative processes related to residence permits, along with 70,000 applications currently in progress.
Goes Pinheiro acknowledged the significant number of pending cases and stressed the need for scalable solutions to address the issue effectively. He also mentioned that a portion of the backlog relates to the "declaration of interest" process, a legal mechanism that has since been discontinued. This process allowed foreigners arriving in Portugal on tourist visas to regularize their status.
Actionable Insights for Foreign Residents in Portugal
Check the validity of your immigration documents: While the government has extended the validity of all immigration documents, it's essential to verify the specific details and deadlines for your individual case.
Contact AIMA for assistance: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your immigration status or the renewal process, contact AIMA directly for guidance and support.
Stay informed about updates: Keep up-to-date with the latest announcements and developments related to immigration policies and procedures in Portugal.
📝 Source: Adapted from sicnoticias. See the full article for detailed information.