On the 12th of August 2024, Portuguese news highlighted a potential strike by employees of the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency (AIMA), expected to start immediately and last until the end of the year. This news has raised questions among expats and temporary residents, particularly Golden Visa applicants who require every two years visa validation by the agency. However, it is important to clarify that these developments are part of a typical negotiation process between the government and AIMA, and there is no immediate cause for concern. Ongoing procedures for residency, citizenship, and the overall Golden Visa programme remain unaffected.
Government’s Commitment to Improving Immigration Services
The strike stems from dissatisfaction among AIMA employees regarding work conditions, particularly the issue of overtime. Recent headlines have highlighted the increasing pressure on AIMA, especially with the government’s plan to reduce long queues at the agency. However, strikes of this nature are not uncommon in Portugal and are typically resolved through negotiations. Discussions between the unions and the government are ongoing as this article is written, with constructive dialogue likely leading to a resolution.
It is worth noting that this strike announcement comes at a time when the recently re-elected Portuguese government has shown a strong commitment to improving immigration services and reducing bureaucracy by modernising public service infrastructure. In late July, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro presented a programme of 15 basic policies that aim to standardise and simplify procedures regarding digital bureaucracy in public services, including an important update for expats communities.
To address problems as the lack of legal basic documents, necessary for any resident in Portugal, such as Tax Identification Number [NIF], the Social Security Number or the Health User Number, the new project will allow expats to get all three IDs, at once, in any Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shop), a service point that brings together resources from different entities into a single counter. This new service will be held by AIMA, together with other governmental agencies. To make sure the system is available to all, without overflowing workers, the current infrastructure will be improved, with 23 new service points being added to the 72 currently existing, up until the second half of 2026.
Other plans to simplify administrative processes and extend the validity of immigrant documents are set to roll out in the coming months, further enhancing efficiency within AIMA and other public services. The new administration has also launched a bold immigration plan to make Portugal more accessible and welcoming to foreign residents, aligning perfectly with the ongoing success of the Golden Visa programme. As of 2024, non-European investors can apply for the Golden Visa through investment options like Venture Capital, starting at €500,000, or by donating €250,000 to pre-approved projects in arts and science.
Read more:
Portuguese Prime Minister Presents Programme to Simplify Bureaucracy
Portugal and Digitalisation: Modernising Public Infrastructure
Portuguese Government Extends the Validity of Immigrants' Documents by One Year
Uninterrupted Golden Visa Applications and Renewals
Despite the unrest within AIMA, the Golden Visa programme remains on track, with new applications and renewals continuing as usual. The expected strike, limited to overtime hours, will not impact the normal operation of residency and citizenship procedures. Golden Visa applications are being processed on schedule, ensuring that investors and applicants can proceed with their plans without delay.
The continued popularity of the Portugal Golden Visa programme, along with the record numbers of foreign residents in Portugal, underscores the country’s effective management of immigration services. In its more than 10 years of existence, the Golden Visa Programme has brought over €7 billion to the Portuguese economy and granted residency to over 11,000 investors and their families, making it one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programmes.
Portugal Homes’ News Coverage: Specialists in Portuguese Policy
Strikes are a part of Portuguese culture, but at Portugal Homes, we ensure that our clients and partners stay informed about all relevant developments. We have anticipated that the AIMA strike will not significantly impact new Golden Visa applications or renewals.
The Portuguese government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the immigration system, alongside the resilience of the Golden Visa programme, will ensure that the country remains a top destination for investors and foreign residents alike. If you are currently a Golden Visa applicant, there is no need to worry about the AIMA strike. If you are considering starting your journey towards Portuguese residency, contact Portugal Homes today to open the path to a better future with European residency.
