Portugal’s plan to process work visas faster is facing significant challenges due to backlogs. The government aims to process applications within 20 days, but the current situation suggests that this goal is unlikely to be met. The Portuguese consulates, especially the one in Brazil, are overwhelmed with applications, leading to delays of up to six months.
The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) is also struggling with a massive backlog of over 400,000 pending cases. To address this issue, the government has extended the validity of all immigration visas and work permits until June 30, 2025. This temporary measure aims to provide relief to individuals and businesses affected by the backlog.
Some of the key challenges facing Portugal’s immigration system include:
– Staff Shortages: AIMA is understaffed, which has contributed to the backlog.
– IT System Issues: The agency’s IT systems are outdated, making it difficult to process applications efficiently.
– Increased Demand: Portugal’s popularity as a destination for international residents has led to a surge in applications.
To overcome these challenges, the government has created a special team to tackle the backlog and has approved a new law to actively attract immigrants. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the backlog and ensure that the system is more efficient and effective.
