Navigating the Labyrinth: Portugal's AIMA Immigration System Faces Unprecedented Challenges
- Suf Zen (Asaf Eyzenkot)
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
The tale of a nation's endeavor to manage migration and the ripple effects across its sectors.
In the heart of Lisbon, the Administrative Court concluded 2024 with a staggering 46,824 pending immigration and asylum cases—a figure 80 times higher than the previous year. This surge starkly contrasts with the overall trend of decreasing pending cases in other areas.

The dramatic increase in pending cases is closely linked to the dissolution of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) on October 29, 2023, and the subsequent establishment of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). With AIMA's sole headquarters in Lisbon, the city's District Administrative Court became the exclusive venue for handling summonses and asylum applications directed at the agency.
AIMA's Herculean Task
In 2024 alone, 54,222 "6th Type" processes—summonses for the defense of rights, freedoms, and guarantees—were filed with the Lisbon District Administrative Court. A dedicated team of six judges and four court officers was formed to address this influx, later expanded to include 135 judges nationwide. Despite these efforts, only 7,973 procedures were concluded that year.
Consider the case of Maria, a Brazilian entrepreneur who relocated to Portugal in early 2024. Eager to establish her business, she was entangled in bureaucratic delays, awaiting her residence permit for months. Such delays not only hinder personal aspirations but also deter potential investors and skilled professionals from contributing to Portugal's economy.
Sectors Feeling the Strain
Legal System: The courts are inundated with over 800 subpoenas daily, leading to delays of up to 90 days for scheduling appointments.
Business Environment: Entrepreneurs face prolonged uncertainty, delaying investments and operations.
Social Services: The backlog affects family reunifications, leaving families in limbo and straining social support systems.
The Portuguese government has announced plans to open 15 new AIMA service centers, with 10 already operational. This expansion aims to alleviate the current bottleneck and expedite the processing of pending cases.
Our recommendations for you -
First, Regularly consult official AIMA communications and reputable news outlets for updates.
Second, Engage with legal professionals experienced in immigration law to navigate the complexities effectively.
Last, but not least, Understand that delays are prevalent, but proactive engagement can sometimes expedite processes.
For personalized assistance, consider reaching out to our trusted partners specializing in immigration services. They offer tailored solutions to help you navigate the Portuguese immigration landscape efficiently.
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